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In 2012 it was discovered that many stray dogs were living in the desert, coastal and urban areas of Umm Al Quwain. Further research revealed that there was no rescue group operating in the area and no established shelter. SOS Animal Rescue UAQ (SOS) was formed out of an urgent need to address the stray animal population in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain.
At the onset the extent of the problem was not evident however, once rescuing began it became obvious that stray dogs, cats and animals including donkeys and camels were literally everywhere. A feeding program was put in place to feed and water animals in need. Fosters were sought to enable dogs and injured cats to be rescued. However, the sheer number of strays exceeded the number of fosters that were coming forward. The only choice was to continue the feeding program and to rescue animals when fosters become available.
Through Social Media SOS gained momentum. Four Safe Houses were established with each safe house, housing on average up to 16 dogs and several cats. With no funding SOS relied heavily on public donations and fundraising to carry out its work. Without this support the feeding programme, safe house feeding and medical care would not be possible.
The issue escalated when information was received from members of the public that animals were being poisoned and shot. Evidence of this practice became obvious with the discovery of dogs that had died from poisoning or shooting. Sadly, dogs that were part of the feeding programme were targetted and after being shot were dumped at one of the SOS Safe Houses.
A bold move was made in March 2014, to open a "No kill" private shelter. This move gave SOS the ability to rescue a larger number of animals than was possible beforehand. From 2013 to 2014 over 400 animals including, dogs, cats, birds and a donkey have been rescued and 240 animals have been rehomed. Currently, we have 140 healthy dogs in the shelter plus 12 special needs dogs.
Active lobbying of the Umm Al Quwain Government began in February 2014 with a now successful collaboration with the Police in the rescue of animals. A proposal for animal welfare was presented and ongoing talks have continued throughout the year. The negotiations reached a pinnacle three weeks ago with what we thought was a very successful meeting with the Acting General Manager of the Municipality where he mooted his support for land with water and electricity to be given to SOS. At the conclusion of the meeting he assured us that the shelter would be safe until the conclusion of the negotiations.
However, on the morning of Thursday, 9th of October, the Municipality visited the shelter and issued a warning. Upon visiting the Municipality we were told that due to complaints received we have one week to vacate the shelter which has since been extended to two weeks. We relayed that it is impossible for us to move so many dogs within this time frame. However, we have been given no other choice.
Relocating is going to cost a lot of money which we don't have. Our ongoing, monthly expenses are rent - 5000, fewa - 7000, caretakers salaries - 6500. On top of that we have vet bills which amount to approximately 30000 Dhs.
We are therefore making a plea for support to help us relocate our shelter to a more suitable premises. The only other option is to release the dogs which is something that we hope we never have to do. We desperately need help as 140 doggies + 12 special needs doggies are depending on us...
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