International animal rights organization, Peta, has announced a reward of $5,000 (Dh18,350) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the appalling mass abandonment of cats in Abu Dhabi’s Al Falah desert.
Jason Baker, Peta’s senior vice-president, issued a statement detailing the organization’s concern and motivation for the reward. “PETA Asia is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever dumped these cats in the desert to die horribly of thirst, starvation, and from the unrelenting heat,” Baker expressed.
The grim discovery of the dumping site has greatly upset the nation. Rescue workers and volunteers were both shocked and traumatized upon finding around 150 cats left to perish in the harsh desert conditions. According to the Khaleej Times, of the cats discovered, rescuers managed to save 92 alive, while over 60 were found deceased.
On Thursday, Emirati officials announced that an investigation into this “inhumane” incident has been initiated. They assured the public that all “administrative and legal measures” would be applied to those found guilty.
Disturbing images and videos of the cats, showing some buried in the sand and others barely alive, have surfaced on social media platforms. However, their authenticity remains unconfirmed by AFP.