Dozens of cats were rescued from the old fish market in Dubai thanks to the efforts of the municipality and expatriates, among whom the most active was the Ukrainian.
When the Deira Fish Market in Dubai closed its doors last month, the dozens of stray cats that dwelt around it actually ended up on the street and doomed to die.
The situation became more and more desperate every day, as the old fish market should be demolished at the end of the month.
A resident of the UAE of Ukrainian origin Natalya Kartavenko launched a Facebook campaign to help "dying, starving, thirsty and sick" animals.
With the help of other volunteers, Natalya caught cats, organizing their sterilization and looking for new places of residence for them. Natalia herself took more than thirty animals, other volunteers - about forty more.
Natalya also contacted Dr. Manal Al Mansouri, the head of the animal welfare team, who arranged a meeting with the municipality of Dubai to help the remaining cats.
As a result, with the support of the municipality, activists managed to save more than 80 cats. Saved animals will undergo sterilization and will be moved to other areas.
Hashim Mohammed Al Awadhi, head of the veterinary services department of the municipality of Dubai, said that since the fish market was moved to a new place, cats had to fight for survival. He noted that cats will receive the necessary care and treatment before using the Aleef app for them to find new owners.
Those who want to somehow help or even pick up one of the cats can contact Natalia via Facebook or send an e-mail to [email protected].
