Animal shelters in Qatar feel the summer pinch

Animal shelters in Qatar are feeling the pinch of the summer season as they struggle to feed rescued animals under their wings and supplies dwindle with a decline in donations, it is learnt.

The shelters are struggling to provide for rescued cats and dogs as many regular donors have left the country for the summer break or for good.

The 2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar, one of the three animal shelters in the country, is appealing on social media to help it feed over 140 rescued dogs in its care.

“It has been a tough year for us. During summer lots of people travel for vacation while others have left the country for good,” Amy Redfern, Manager, 2nd Chance Rescue-Qatar, told The Peninsula.

The exorbitant cost of taking their pets out of the country has forced some expatriates who lost their jobs early this year to turn to these shelters, putting strain on the crowded shelters. Their difficult situation, during summer which lasts two to three months, is no different from other shelters, Redfern said.

“We’ve 140 dogs which consume 70kg of food a day. We pay for rent and medical bill, which for this month, has already reached QR8,000,” she said.

 Those who wish to donate can bring dry dog food, cleaning products, toys, leashes, collars and blankets to the shelter off Exit 24 of Shamal Road or at Parkview Pet Centre in Madinat Khalifa North.

The shelter has also launched a campaign via Facebook in which people can sponsor food of one rescued dog for a month for QR150.

Apart from donations, the shelter also encourages those looking to have pet dogs or cats to adopt instead of buy from pet shops. Adoption rates however have slowed down as residents have become fearful of the uncertain economic climate.

Understanding the responsibilities of a pet owner coupled with a commitment to giving the pet a forever home is crucial for adoption, said Redfern.

Courtesy: thepeninsulaqatar.com