We’ve seen it with our own eyes

I have first hand experience of where a lost dog was found at the pet market. He was reunited with his owner after being found wandering around in the most horrid conditions. Also, a store owner told me he just goes to Dubai Municipality, pays Dh200 for the adoption, vaccination, chipping of an animal and then sells it on for a profit. The municipality fines them constantly, but selling the animals is a bigger pay-off for them.” F. Attas, UAE

We had a beautiful German Shepherd that was a part of our family. One weekend we went away and had a close family friend come and stay at our house. Men came into our garden and took our dog. We knew he had been stolen as they had taken his food and water bowl, and a few toys. We reported him missing. The sad thing is this was over eight years ago and it actually seems like the situation is getting worse.” Siobhan Rudolp, South Africa

I wouldn’t be able to guarantee that stolen pets do end up at the Sharjah animal market. However, I can vouch that it is a famous dumping ground for pets by owners. As a result, a lot of them end up being sold. Kittens are being sold by heartless people. The worst part is the state these animals are kept in. They lock cats in small glass spaces with little food. Some even have obvious infections which are ignored. Nobody bothers to make sure they are happy.” Zeeba Kalan, Iran

Our cat Mr Jingles was stolen in the evening from our garden last December. Even though I was at home I was not able to prevent it. He was/is a pure breed Ragdoll with a long family tree. We were very shocked when he was taken because we live in a family community. He was only 14 months old when he was stolen. Until today we are desperately trying to find him. I hope this story can make authorities be alert as to what is going on.” Dominique Anna Kostka-Ghaddar, Canada