Animals could be ‘forgotten victims’ of Middle East conflict
Pets in Dubai have been left tied to lampposts and without water.
The RSPCA has called on pet owners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to make plans for their pets if they plan to leave the region.
Its plea comes as the Foreign Office makes plans to evacuate British citizens if warfare escalates in the region.
The charity says that approximately 240,000 British nationals live in the UAE, with many of these nationals owning cats and dogs. Animal welfare groups fear that pets could become victims in the war if people flee the country without them.
The RSPCA says it has already seen many photos of pets left tied to lampposts or without water. Some of these pets have been microchipped and were ‘clearly once loved’.
This rise in animal abandonment has seen rescuers ‘heartbroken’ and veterinary professionals in the area are overwhelmed.
Hannah Mainds, chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool & North Lancashire Branch, previous lived in Dubai. While working there she saw many pets left behind after their owners suddenly left the country.
Ms Mainds said: “People will understandably be deeply concerned for their safety amid rising tensions and the prospect of the War deepening. But animals shouldn’t become the forgotten victims when people leave a country in a crisis.
“Pets rely entirely on their owners. They can’t understand why their family has suddenly disappeared - so we urge those facing uncertainty to remember their animals and get a proper plan in place."
Pets travelling from the UAE to Great Britain do not usually need to be quarantined, providing they comply with relevant rules. However travelling pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and (in dogs) tapeworm, as well as obtaining a Great Britain Health Certificate.
Bahrain also has a Part 2 List agreement with Great Britain, but pet rules in other states in the region are usually more stringent.
RSPCA recommends that British nationals in the region:
• Make a clear plan for their pet
• Check governmental advice concerning pet travel rules
• Confirm and update vaccinations and microchip records
• Speak to a reputable pet relocation company for advice
• Contact a rescue organisation if they cannot travel with their pet.
Further details are available on the UK government/Defra website.
Image © Shutterstock.com/saiko3p
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
