Animal abuse could turn into human abuse

Abu Dhabi - Many animals from pet stores are not sterilised or vaccinated

Animal welfare groups and animal lovers alike have praised the UAE's recent changes in law on banning private ownership of wild animals, highlighting that it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Animal welfare groups are also urging for greater awareness on education on animal care, pet abandonment and animal abuse, particularly among youth.

Several cases of animal mistreatment have popped up within the years. One in particular that continues to resonate the mind of Martina Hakim, head of Feline Friends Abu Dhabi, was the video of a 17-year-old boy who tortured and killed a cat by beating it against a wall in Ajman, in September last year.

Although the Ajman Police arrested the teenager after the shocking video went viral and thousands of furious residents condemned the act, the boy was eventually released on bail after his parents pledged their son would not repeat the act.

The Feline Friends, a non-profit organisation, which is solely run by volunteers and those who care for animals since 1991, told Khaleej Times that such acts should not only be dealt with by a fine, but by exposing the crime and educating the perpetrator about animal handling - starting at home.

"Children are the products of their parents, if parents do not teach their children care and respect towards animals, how will they learn?"

Hakim pointed out that the violent act certainly goes against the teachings of Islam.

"Islam is about treating every living creature with respect, whether it is a human or a spider - therefore such acts of violence need punishment. Paying a fine is not enough of a punishment. There should be blatant exposure of those who abuse animals, because dignity is greater than money."

The non-government organisation, which has rescued 350 street cats in 2016 and relies on contributions, also firmly believe in adopting, rather than buying pets. "As many as 140 rescued cats were adopted by loving families. Many people spend as much as Dh6,000 for a three-week-old kitten at a pet store, which is cruel, because kittens at that age still need their mother."

Hakim explained that many animals from pet stores are not sterilised or vaccinated, thus owners eventually throw their pets on the streets, simply because they can not deal with the financial burden of a sick animal.

She noted that the organisation's main objective is to therefore rescue as many injured and vulnerable cats that have been abandoned, which is why Hakim believes that every pet should have a microchip.

"Every car is registered to an owner, so why not every pet? Microchips should be mandatory, because it will allow authorities to follow up on those responsible."

Animal abuse could turn into human abuse

Dr Margit Gabriele Muller, executive-director of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter, said the key to animal welfare is educating youngsters, adding that animal abuse could eventually lead to human abuse.

"Once you instill in children the need to respect and care for animals, they will develop good social sense and social behaviour. This will not only help with their treatment of animals, but with humans also.

"If one mistreats an animal because it is weak, then the abuse could continue towards individuals and even the disabled," executive-director of Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter added. Dr Muller also noted that the shelter has a programme dedicated for children that allows them understand why caring for animals is crucial.

"We have classes coming in on a daily basis and we let children interact with animals. It's a beautiful programme that educates the youth - many come back regularly and have even adopted animals as pets."

Muller stressed that changing the mindset towards animals is certainly an imperative step forward. "It's important to educate children from early on so they will also educate their own children in the future."

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi