Dubai
A maltreated Himalayan kitten was found dumped on the streets at Umm Suqueim 2, Dubai, a few days ago. She was rescued by Shana Sebban Mannarini, founder of Pearls of the Emirates, a Dubai-based animal welfare and environmental organisation that educates the younger generation.
The vulnerable kitten, later named Layan by Mannarini and her team, is just eight months old and weighs less than 1.5 kilograms.
Mannarini said: “She was in a terrible condition. She was very weak, dehydrated, covered in ringworms and her eyes were in an awful state.”
Mannarini immediately took the kitten to a pet care clinic for emergency treatment. The check-up and X-rays soon revealed that she had been physically mistreated, but she has been tested negative for viruses, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus (FELV) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV)and giardia parasites.
However, it is unlikely that her infected eyes will be able to be saved and she will need to spend the next few weeks at the clinic due to ringworm and a second surgery for her nose. She is currently living in isolation, under intensive care.
We have already received the first invoice from the clinic, which is of around Dh4,500 and it will be at least another Dh6,000 as her eye and nose will be operated on this week, in addition to ringworm and all other essential treatment. But, she has been saved, which is what is essential.
Mannarini said: “The team at Advanced Pet Care Clinic is doing everything they can to save this poor creature. Layan has had such a tough start in life and your contribution can really make a difference.”
The kitten desperately needs help with fostering and adoption. If you can help in any way or require more information, please contact the Advanced Pet Care Clinic directly on 04 3212535 or visit their website www.apcc.ae. They are located in Al Wasl, Dubai.
— The reader is a public relations executive based in Dubai.
