Videos circulating on social media showing a cat being abused by its owner have sparked widespread concern among animal welfare advocates and rescue groups in the UAE, prompting residents to call on the authorities to intervene.

Several posts published on the individual’s Facebook account contain distressing footage of the deliberate abuse of a fluffy grey cat.

In one video, a sharp knife blade is held close to the cat’s neck as the animal tries to move away. In another, the man presses his foot against the cat’s neck and appears to try to strangle it as the animal meows loudly.

Further images of the same act can be seen in a series of photographs posted by the man.

Animal welfare advocates call for action against offender

The videos were first flagged by a UK-based animal rescuer who regularly takes in animals from the UAE for medical treatment, foster care or adoption.

The rescuer, known on Instagram as Remote Rescues, said they had tried to report the animal abuse through Dubai Police’s cybercrime reporting platform.

“What we saw in these videos was deeply disturbing. A frightened and vulnerable animal was deliberately subjected to distress and pain solely to create content and attract attention online. There is nothing funny or entertaining about frightening an animal. Animals cannot defend themselves, and we have a responsibility to be their voice,” the rescuer said.

The advocate, who asked not to be named, urged members of the public to report any animal abuse they witness to the relevant authorities.

“If you witness animal abuse, do not ignore it. Report it to the relevant authorities and, where possible, retain evidence such as the original video, account details, and the date and location of the incident,” the rescuer added.

The advocate stressed that the UAE’s animal welfare regulations prohibit acts including physically harming animals and provide channels through which the public can report violations.

Another Dubai-based animal rescuer, identified by the initials T.A., said the video had been shared in local animal rescue groups, where many users expressed distress over the footage.

“It is deeply troubling that someone could publicly post such violent behaviour without fear. Several group members have already reported the account to Dubai Police’s cybercrime unit. We hope the authorities take firm action. Such behaviour should not be tolerated in a progressive city such as Dubai,” the rescuer said.

Cat owner apologises, says it was “just a joke”

Following widespread attention to the videos, the content creator issued an apology.

“This is my beloved cat, and I love it very much. What I did was just a joke, and I am deeply sorry. I ask everyone not to misunderstand me, and I apologise to you all. I promise never to make such videos again. Please do not hold this against me,” he wrote.

Penalties for animal abuse under UAE law

Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021 on Crimes and Penalties prohibits offences against animals.

Various provisions of the law set out penalties for killing, injuring, torturing and mistreating animals.

Article 466: Anyone who deliberately kills or seriously injures certain animals covered by the provision without legal justification may face imprisonment, a fine or both. Penalties also apply to those who release stray animals in circumstances that pose a danger to the public.

Article 471: Anyone who deliberately and without legal justification kills or poisons a domestic or tame animal not covered by Article 466 may face up to one year in prison or a fine of up to AED 10,000.

Article 472: Anyone who abuses, tortures or mistreats a domestic or tame animal may be fined up to AED 5,000. The penalty also applies to people responsible for an animal who fail to care for it.

Article 473: Anyone whose negligence causes injury or harm to an animal belonging to another person may be fined up to AED 3,000. If the negligence results in the animal’s death, the maximum fine rises to AED 10,000.

In addition, Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on animal welfare prohibits the use of animals in scientific experiments without authorisation from the competent body or authority.

Anyone who uses animals in such experiments without the required permit may face a fine ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000 and potentially up to one year in prison.

In 2020, the UAE Public Prosecution also warned that anyone who sells sick or injured animals could face a fine of AED 200,000.

New animal welfare regulations in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has taken steps in recent years to strengthen animal welfare, including mandatory registration requirements for microchipped dogs and cats.

New pet ownership services were also launched on February 3 last year.

Under new regulations issued by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, pet owners must register their animals on the TAMM platform or face fines for non-compliance.

The system aims to reduce the number of stray animals, record and track pets’ histories, ensure they can be properly identified, and improve animal welfare.

It also creates a centralised database of pet owners and microchipped animals.

In 2023, Abu Dhabi authorities launched an investigation into reports of cats being abandoned in the desert.

At the time, videos showing several cats abandoned in a desert area circulated widely on social media, prompting shock and distress among animal rescue groups.

In Dubai last year, authorities also acted swiftly after a video showing a French bulldog being strangled and kicked was widely circulated.