Dog critical after rescuers find him with broken spine in Umm Al Quwain

Stray Dogs Centre UAQ says animal has scars and injuries all over his body

Braveheart is in a critical but stable condition after being found covered in injuries and with a broken spine. Courtesy: Stray Dogs Centre UAQ

A dog is in critical condition in Umm Al Quwain after rescuers found him with horrific injuries, including a broken spine.

A team from Stray Dogs Centre UAQ found the dog, named Braveheart, close to death while searching for another dog in an industrial area in the emirate.

Rescuers said he had open wounds and scars all over his body as well as trauma to his rear end.

The centre is fund-raising for Braveheart’s surgeries and treatment.

“His injuries are horrific, he has damage to his lower extremities and rectum area that can only be described as malicious,” said Amirah William, owner of Stray Dogs Centre.

“Braveheart is in critical but stable condition and everything possible is being done to save his life.”

Vets at Vets24 clinic in Ras Al Khaimah have been treating the mixed breed dog since Wednesday. He also had anaplasma, a bacterial infection, and septic shock diagnosed.

Because of the wide range of injuries, the rescue team believes Braveheart was attacked by people.

“An industrial area in Umm Al Quwain has a history of unexplained injuries to dogs," Ms William said.

“Identifying the perpetrator with no eye witnesses and no CCTV cameras inhibits any chance of a prosecution, according to Animal Welfare Law 16.

"Authorities are aware of the situation and efforts to work with Stray Dogs Centre are under way with a new sanctuary being built next to the existing shelter in Umm Al Quwain."

In an update on the centre’s Facebook page on Thursday, the centre reported that, while Braveheart survived the night, he was still in need of round-the-clock care.

“Blood works were run yesterday and he is positive for anaplasma, which has created another dilemma as the wounds and septic shock also require immediate attention with different antibiotics,” the post said.

“His vitals are better today and he can move and raise his head.

“There is definitely an improvement although the prognosis is still guarded.”

Ms William said Braveheart is one of many dogs that have been rescued with severe injuries over the years.

The centre is in the process of setting up a free range sanctuary for stray dogs. It was granted additional land by Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, to expand its current premises.

“Our intention, once the sanctuary is ready, is to bring all our street dogs in,” she said.

“That plan has already been set in motion with the levelling of the land.

“The safety of the dogs on the streets is the number one priority.”

In July last year, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment launched a service where residents can report animal cruelty.

The online biosecurity early notification system allows people to report incidents related to infectious animal diseases and breach of welfare laws, including cruelty and illegal possession of dangerous animals.

The government said that cases involving the torture and abuse of animals, or actions “causing [their] exhaustion” would attract a Dh1,000 fine.