Police in Mityana Municipality have rescued 48 dogs and arrested three suspects in a crackdown on animal cruelty following media investigations that exposed the alleged abuse of animals for financial gain. The rescue operation was carried out in the villages of Kansuleti, Kasimbi and Bamunanika in Busimbi Division, Mityana Municipality, targeting suspected illegal dog shelters that had become a source of concern among local residents.
According to police, the facilities had attracted public attention due to the poor treatment of animals and the fear they generated within surrounding communities. Wamala Regional Police spokesperson, Lameck Kigozi, said several of the rescued dogs showed signs of deliberate abuse, including broken limbs, tails cut off and severe malnourishment.
“Some of the dogs had intentional injuries, while many others were in poor health conditions,” Kigozi said. He added that a number of the animals lacked vaccination records, posing a potential public health risk should they escape into nearby communities.
The rescued dogs were handed over to Animal Lifeline Uganda, a registered animal welfare organization with a holding facility in Kateete Cell, Kireku Ward, Busimbi Division.
Kigozi said the organization’s directors had committed to working closely with the district veterinary officer to ensure the animals are vaccinated, rehabilitated and their breeding properly managed before being made available for adoption. “They assured us that they will work hand in hand with the district veterinary officer to vaccinate the dogs and control their breeding and will later invite members of the public to adopt them,” he said.
Meanwhile, the three suspects remain detained at Mityana Central Police Station and are expected to appear in court on charges related to animal cruelty.
The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of animal welfare operations in Mityana. In May, the BBC reported uncovering a network of youths allegedly running fraudulent online fundraising schemes by exploiting injured animals.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly collected stray dogs, deliberately inflicted injuries on them and then shared distressing images online to solicit donations purportedly meant for treatment and rescue efforts. The schemes reportedly targeted donors in Europe, North America and Australia.
According to the BBC investigation, more than $730,000 (£540,000) has been raised over the past five years for animal shelters in Uganda through hundreds of fundraisers posted on crowdfunding platforms. Nearly 40 percent of the campaigns analysed were linked to Mityana, highlighting the district’s central role in the alleged scam network.
Police say investigations are ongoing and have urged members of the public to report suspected cases of animal abuse and fraudulent fundraising activities-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
