Animal Welfare Partnership Launched To Tackle Abandoned Pets

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Animal Welfare Partnership Launched To Tackle Abandoned Pets
Source: Oreo and Friends
Location: Various

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NEW PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED TO TACKLE INFLUX OF ABANDONED PETS IN THE UAE & HONOUR INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS DAY

· 57% in the UAE bought their pet, a third (33%) adopted, and one in ten (10%) took in a stray
· More than half (56%) want more pet-friendly spaces such as cafes and co-working spaces
· Decrease of 56% in adoption in UAE from Q1 2023 to 2022

A new partnership has launched today (7nd May) to raise awareness of the plight of abandoned pets in the UAE.

In a country so heavily populated by expats, pet abandonment is a real issue as people often leave Dubai suddenly for new jobs and visa reasons and like most countries, the UAE sees thousands abandoned every year which may or may not be out of pet owners’ hands.

While nationwide pet adoption grew by 7% through the pandemic, in the 12 months post lockdown abandonment outpaced voluntary surrenders by 2.5x.

Research reveals that over half of people in the UAE (54%) would like to adopt a pet, but currently the number of people who make the leap and welcome an adopted pet into their home stands at less than a third (33%), with just one in ten taking in a stray pet.

In the UAE pet owners agree they would like to see an increase in adoption numbers as well as the process being made easier when it comes to adopting (44%). A further 49% want to see more fundraisers to help animal shelters, more available (53%) and better (55%) veterinary care.

Others would also like to see better facility for pets (56%), such as co-friendly working spaces, more parks and welcoming café and restaurants – with more than half (54%) wanting better veterinary services readily available to them.

Despite 64% saying they donate money to help animal shelters and pets in need, more needs to be done.

To help raise awareness and shine a light on the growing issue, cookie-brand Oreo has partnered with K9 Friends and Yanni Animal Welfare, the biggest animal rescue organisations in the region. The aim is to highlight the opportunities of pet adoption across the Middle East, by using their packaging of three limited edition black and white kennel style boxes. With each purchase, a percentage of the money will be donated to pet shelters in the UAE and consumers can get the chance to see some adorable pets online.

The idea comes as ‘Oreo’ is the sixth most popular name for a black and white pet, so this way the brand believes they can give back to the pets named after them and encourage others to help by adopting. The initiative builds on the brand’s existing positioning, Stay Playful, to become ‘Bring home playful. Bring home Oreo’.

To honour National Pet Week (US), Oreo has pledged to change all social content from products to pets for the cause, raising awareness of how many adoptable animals there are in the region.

Available for interviews is Dr Manal Al Mansoori from Yanni Animal Welfare and Siddhi Mulaokar from K9 Friends, who can offer practical advice to educate those exploring the option of adopting a pet and highlight why more people in region should consider adopting pets.

Suggested Questions
Why is there a hesitancy from people in the region to adopt pets?
Why do you think there is an increase in the number of people surrendering their pets?
What tips and advice can you share for people interested in adopting animals?
Tell us more about this partnership? What does it hope to achieve?
Where can we find out more information?

Additional Information:

About K9 Friends

K9 Friends has been in operation since 1989 and our main aim has always been to rescue and rehome stray and abandoned dogs.

As a volunteer-run organisation, we take in dogs and care for them until new homes can be found; giving them shelter and high standards of kennelling and veterinary care.

We also help reunite lost dogs with their owners, offer help and advice to new pet owners and we endeavour to educate the public and encourage a responsible dog-owning population in the UAE

k9friends.com

About Yanni Animal Welfare

We are a volunteering group of different nationalities, colors & religions with a common humanitarian bond that is “Animals love & respect towards their souls value.”

Why? Simply because they are creatures that share this planet. They have the right to live in peace & dignity. Just like us!

yawdubai.com

Background and Regional Information
A QR code links to a microsite, www.bringhomeoreo.com, where people can browse for pets and even apply to adopt them.

B-roll and other materials including images will also be made available on Red Robots MediaGRAB:

Broadcasters Contact: paul@redrobot.org

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GV’s of the case study video/ news report
GV’s of the kennels from K9 Friends and Yanni Animal Welfare Association
Campaign video, Oreo and Friends
Soundbites: Siddhi Mulaokar, Volunteer at K9 Friends
Soundbites: Dr. Manal Al Mansoori, Founder of Yanni Animal Welfare Association
Contact Information

9 May 2023