A videograb of a worker giving water to a bird in Sharjah. Residents are urged to do the same.
Sharjah - The bird is then seen perching on the cleaner's head, refusing to fly away after his kind gesture.
Published: Tue 24 Jul 2018, 12:15 AM
Last updated: Tue 24 Jul 2018, 10:29 AM
After a heartwarming video of a cleaner giving water to a bird went viral, local vets are reminding residents about the importance of helping stray animals beat the summer heat 'in the right way'.
The video that circulated on social media showed a Sharjah cleaner giving water to a thirsty bird from a bucket he was using while on duty. The bird is then seen perching on the cleaner's head, refusing to fly away after his kind gesture.
Social media users applauded the cleaner's kind gesture, with vets encouraging residents to follow the same path.
Dr Sara Elliott, director and owner of British Veterinary Hospital, said one of the biggest issues during summer in the UAE is the lack of natural and clean water sources for animals.
She urged residents to provide water for birds in shaded areas nearby their villas or communities. "Many people don't want to encourage stray animals into their garden, but there's no reason for not placing water in a street corner where it's accessible to animals," said Elliott.
She added the most common cases the hospital receives during summer are animals struggling with heat stroke, brain damage and organ failure. "Dehydration is a common issue among pets during summer, and no living creature deserves to die of dehydration or lack of water."
She stressed on contributing to protecting animal species through simple gestures, such as giving water.
"It is simple. For people who have gardens or balconies, just tell your gardener or helper to place a pot of water in the garden and fill it up each morning to ensure continuous water supply for animals and birds," said Elliott.
Touleen Jundi, co-owner of Pet Station Group in Dubai, stressed that people must be mindful with how they choose to help birds and stray animals.
Those who have terraces, balconies or gardens can provide shade for birds and ensure water is available in a good pot. "If you're placing water in a street corner, use environment-friendly containers that won't be impacted by heat. Avoid using glass that may break, causing harm to the animal or passersby," said Jundi. "Make sure you don't leave the containers behind in the street, and go back to collect it."
In summer, she added, people should focus on providing shade and water, and avoid providing food.
Providing food, she said, can harm stray animals instead of benefit them. "Many times people place the wrong food for animals. Putting food in the heat may get spoiled and harm birds and cats," said Jundi.
Don't throw food to birds in a lake
In Dubai, feeding stray cats is a violation. People who feed a stray cat can face a Dh200 fine, according to the Dubai Municipality, which is keen on reducing the stray population in the emirate. The ban aims to maintain public safety and reduce health risks in communities, while preventing neighborhoods from becoming a place for breeding strays.
Dr Sara Elliott, director and owner of British Veterinary Hospital, said throwing bread or food in lakes for birds poisons the water they drink from. "People aren't placing the right food for them, while also impacting their source of water, which can leave an impact on birds' health," she said.
"Unfortunately what people need to realise is that random food for affect the food chain and impact the stray population."
When providing food, it helps animal population grow in one area than the other. Elliott urged people to take active part in Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) programmes to control the population explosion. "Limit the problem in the street rather than helping in a negative way," she said.
Meanwhile, Touleen Jundi, co-owner of Pet Station Group, urged people to help animals through registered charities that provide necessities for strays. "When you provide food for animals, it helps kill their hunting extent, and thus gives more harm than help," she said.
KT NANO EDIT
Caring for the fauna
Being hydrated is essential to our well-being - both mental and physical. Come summer, and drinking enough water gains priority. The same goes for animals and birds. However, when water bodies turn dry, it is important that human beings care for the fauna around them. And it does not take much effort. It is just the thought that matters.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com
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