Thousands of pets being abandoned in Dubai as owners flee over Iran war [View all]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/11/pets-abandoned-dubai-expat-owners-flee-iran-war

Thousands of pets being abandoned in Dubai as owners flee over Iran war

RSPCA say animals could become ‘hidden victims’ of conflict as charities in Gulf city report being overwhelmed

Helena Horton
Wed 11 Mar 2026 09.31 EDT

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.

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“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.

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K9 Friends said it could provide contacts, help and information for people trying to leave. The RSPCA added that the UK had an agreement with the UAE so that pets did not need quarantining when brought back home.

The Dubai Municipality has reacted to the rise in stray cats and dogs by launching 12 AI-powered feeding stations across the city. It is illegal to abandon pets in the UAE and if caught the offence is punishable by fines of up to tens of thousands of pounds.

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