Do your bit to help birds beat the heat
sharjah — 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 con-
tinuous 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
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.”
Dr Sara Elliott, director and owner,
British Veterinary Hospital
If you’re placing water in a street corner, use environmentfriendly containers that won’t be impacted by heat. Avoid using glass that may break, causing harm to the animal or passersby.” Touleen Jundi, co-owner of Pet Station Group
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.