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A police complaint has been filed after two dogs – including a breed best acquainted with Artic weather conditions – were allegedly left outside for hours in the scorching heat without food or water in Amwaj Islands.
Residents reported the incident to Samaheej Police Station, in Muharraq Governorate, voicing concerns over the animals’ welfare.
Amwaj Islands resident Anastasia Misharina posted a video on her social media page, calling for help and urging greater awareness about looking after pets during the summer months in Bahrain.
“This started last Sunday, when I came home around 4pm and heard dogs crying,” the Ukrainian expatriate hairdresser, who has been living in Bahrain for 10 years, told the GDN.
“I stepped out on my balcony and saw two dogs, one a husky, outside on the terrace in the boiling heat, without food or water, trying to get back into the house.”
Videos Ms Misharina shared with the GDN showed the dogs outside the villa, clawing at the patio door and appearing to be whimpering in distress.
“I called Amwaj Islands security and alerted them of the situation,” she said.
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Ms Misharina speaking in her video posted on her Instagram page
Ms Misharina explained that security officers visited the villa, located across from her apartment, and later informed her that the owners had denied mistreating the pets and keeping them outside for an inappropriate length of time.
In subsequent discussions with other residents of Amwaj Islands, it was suggested people ‘mind their own business’ and be aware that well trained dogs also cry to go outside when they want a toilet break, whereas others pointed out that certain breeds of dogs need special care and consideration and people should not turn the other way when they see animals in distress.
“In my opinion, keeping a breed like a husky outside in such heat is especially cruel, as they are not made for Bahrain’s climate,” said Ms Misharina, who has six rescue cats.
Huskies are energetic and athletic. They are distinguished by their hardiness and cold-weather tolerance, and often used as sled dogs, with several Arctic breeds showing a genetic closeness to the wolf.
Huskies typically have a thick double coat that generally protects them against harsh winters and, contrary to what most believe, they can survive in hotter climates, experts suggest.
During the hotter climates, huskies tend to shed their undercoat regularly to cool their bodies. In addition to shedding, huskies control their eating habits based on the season; in cooler climates, they tend to eat generous amounts, causing their digestion to generate heat, whilst in warmer climates, they eat less.
But prolonged exposure to heat for any animals can quickly lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or fatal heatstroke, say veterinarians.
Amwaj Islands security advised Ms Misharina to visit a police station and she filed a report (Case No 2343). She claimed that in recent days, she has been woken up by the cries of both dogs. On Monday, a neighbour added her voice to an official statement calling for action.
“I talked to the police and said that if the owners do not want the dogs, two dog kennels are ready to take care of them, and I will support them financially every month,” said Ms Misharina.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Samaheej Police Station officers for their work and professionalism in moving the case forward.”
The owners of the pets, who were unavailable for comment, have received a police communication alerting them to the concerns raised.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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