<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/pets-abandoned-dubai-expat-owners-flee-iran-war>
"Thousands of pets are being abandoned in Dubai as their owners flee the Middle
East because of the Iran war, animal charities have said.
The RSPCA said pets of fleeing UK nationals could become “hidden victims” of
the conflict as people who had relocated to the Gulf city scramble for an exit
and struggle to bring their animals.
Last week, the UK government operated an emergency evacuation flight for people
leaving the Middle East as the war continued. About 45,000 British nationals
have left the Middle East since 1 March.
Hannah Mainds, the chief executive of the RSPCA Blackpool and north Lancashire
branch, previously lived in Dubai and helped care for pets left behind after
their owners suddenly left the country.
“Some [pets] were microchipped and clearly once loved, but their families had
gone. It’s heartbreaking for rescuers and frightening for the animals,” Mainds
said.
“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.”"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
