Dubai resident advocates for safety modifications following the deaths of local felines in the community.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Chiku Singh, a resident of a gated community in Dubai, witnessed two cats being run over within 24 hours. Prompted by this tragedy, Chiku reached out to the community developer, urging for changes to ensure the safety of both animals and community members.
The community developer responded swiftly, taking several measures to improve safety. New speed bumps were installed, the speed limit was lowered to 20kmph, and a police camera was set up at the main entry road. These changes, according to Chiku, have already made a significant difference, not just for the safety of cats, but also for children playing outside, families walking their dogs, and other community members.
Chiku, with over 25 years of experience in animal welfare, has spent years rescuing and supporting stray animals. Alongside other residents, she has been working tirelessly to stabilize the cat population through trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs and feeding stations situated away from roads.
The problem of abandoned pets, particularly during the summer months, is a growing concern in the UAE. This strain on residents and volunteer groups who care for strays has led to the creation of innovative solutions, such as the mobile app "Bearlot's Furry Friends" (BFF). Developed by Click Labs, BFF aims to reduce pet abandonment and encourage responsible pet ownership.
Raneem Al Jaghoub, CEO of BFF, believes every animal deserves more than survival. She wants to inspire a wider conversation about animal welfare through community, compassion, and innovation. Raya Al Jaghoub, COO of BFF, emphasizes that the rescue scene in the UAE faces ongoing challenges, and that BFF offers a technology-driven solution to connect people, rescues, and communities to improve animal welfare nationwide.
BFF connects adopters with rescue organizations, offers a digital "Pawfile" to track vet visits and vaccinations, and includes an AI assistant for personalized pet advice. Residents in Abu Dhabi are advised to contact the Centre of Waste Management on hotline 800555 if they encounter strays.
This story of Chiku's fight for animal welfare has gained attention, with the Khaleej Times reporting on the changes made in her community. One such success story is Twinkle, a two-week-old kitten who was left for dead after a hit-and-run. Despite sustaining internal bleeding, lung damage, and eye trauma, Twinkle survived thanks to weeks of syringe feeding and care, and was eventually adopted into the same community.
Chiku encourages other residents to speak up and make a difference in their communities. She hopes that the changes made in her community can serve as a model for other communities in Dubai to prevent similar tragedies. Waad Barakat, a Special Correspondent covering security topics with a focus on blending human interest stories and unique Gen Z-inspired content, has covered Chiku's story, highlighting the importance of community action in improving animal welfare.
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