Saving abandoned animals: One woman's mission of hope in the UAE

In a quiet corner of Dubai, Dr. Manal Al Mansoori has carved out a sanctuary for the abandoned and forgotten — animals whose lives are often cut short by neglect and abuse.

A physician by training, Manal has dedicated herself to rescuing animals through her organization, Yanni Animal Welfare.

Today, her farm shelters over 30 dogs, while her home is the refuge for 60 cats. Many of her rescues come from dire situations, often through social media tips or animals abandoned at her doorstep.

One lucky dog

Manal's story began when she was called to help an abused dog chained in the relentless UAE heat. "He was just lying there, not moving," she recalls.

When she found him, he was traumatized and in desperate need of medical care and a safe space to recover. She rescued the dog and called him ''Lucky''.

Lucky’s rescue was only the beginning, Manal transformed her life to serve Dubai’s forgotten animals and soon, other abandoned animals followed.

From neglect to nurture

Alongside the dogs, Manal’s sanctuary is home to 60 cats, many of which have been abandoned or left in poor health. Many suffer from dehydration. One of the most heartbreaking cases is Sadoon, a Scottish Fold cat that fell from a balcony.

This tragic fall left him paralyzed from the waist down, unable to use his hind legs or even perform basic functions like urinating on his own. With his previous owner unwilling to take care of him, Manal took Sadoon in, providing him with the care he needs every day.

"Negligence like this should never happen,” she says. Her message is clear: pet owners must be accountable for securing safe environments for their pets and always closing balcony doors, particularly in high-rise apartments.

We have done a lot of sacrifices on the personal level, just to make sure these cats have a safe place. So, the suffering on the streets has an end. - Dr. Manal Al Mansoori

Another case is Toffee, a paralyzed dog that came to Manal's farm after enduring unimaginable suffering. Before being rescued, Toffee was found tied up in a garbage room of a breeder's house, living in his own filth. He was left in isolation with no food, water, or care, an extreme case of neglect that many would find difficult to comprehend.

Why adoption matters

Toffee’s and Sadoon's stories also underscore a larger issue that Manal and her team face daily: overcrowding and the risk of disease spread. New animals are often being abandoned at her doorstep by people assuming the farm has endless capacity. People who cannot care for their pets often leave them at the sanctuary, believing they are doing the animals a favor.

However, the sanctuary already operates at full capacity, emphasizes Manal. While she always strives to provide a safe space for every animal in need, space and resources are limited. Limited space means hard decisions and struggling to accommodate each new arrival without compromising care quality.

Unfortunately, only a maximum of one to two dogs per year will go out of her farm.

Physical and emotional challenges

Operating both a home and a farm as sanctuaries for animals isn’t just a logistical feat, it’s emotionally and financially exhausting according to Manal.

Each animal has unique needs, from daily medications and physical therapy to emotional support, especially for animals that have suffered trauma.

She and her team administer medication, cleans living areas, and dedicate individual attention to cases to maintain their health and quality of life. Manal's organization advocates for stricter pet ownership laws to curb abandonment.

''I had no choice but to take many of these cats into my home," she says.

However, she believes in more than simply sheltering community cats indoors; she focuses on rescuing those with special needs who truly cannot survive on their own. Vulnerable cats, kittens, orphans, elderly cats, and those with a low likelihood of adoption.

Striving for sustainability

Despite limited resources, her farm emphasizes sustainable practices to reduce waste, where she recycles and repurposes materials wherever possible, using sustainable food options and sourcing locally for the animals' dietary needs.

She has also invested in eco-friendly waste disposal systems and has found creative ways to repurpose resources, such as turning discarded materials into items like dog swimming pools and play areas.

Lack of support

One of the most significant challenges is the lack of consistent funding and community support for her organization Yanni Animal Welfare. Medical expenses, food, and maintenance costs are high, and she relies heavily on donations and support from animal welfare advocates.

Manal works closely with generous butchers to acquire 50 kg of beef, chicken, and other meat cuts, ensuring that the animals receive the necessary nutrients to recover and thrive. The food is often prepared in large batches and carefully portioned to meet each animal's dietary needs.

Her team takes it from the butcher into her home and they spend around three hours preparing the food and cooking it. Then they bring the food all the way to the farm in Al Qudra on a daily basis.

How to help?

Manal suggests that when you come across a pet in need, take the initiative to help right away, as the pet could be gone or disappear by the time you wait for someone else.

Online resources, like Google, Facebook, and Instagram, can provide guidance and connect you with others who can advise.
Relying entirely on nonprofits and volunteers can overwhelm them, as they face physical, mental, and financial strain.

Every small effort counts, so by stepping in, you’re helping to share the load and make a real difference for these animals, she says.

''Sadly, many people seek cats and dogs based on appearance, favoring specific breeds or looks'' she says, adding, ''but we should consider the animal's personality and spirit.''

At the end of the day, no matter how tired I am, there’s a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing I’ve made a difference in this world - Dr. Manal Al Mansoori

She actively encourages responsible pet adoption, noting that every time an animal finds a home, it frees up space for another in need.

You can volunteer or contribute to Yanni Animal Welfare by becoming a member through www.yawdubai.com or reach out to them through info@yawdubai.com