Dozens of dogs have been rescued in Uganda after police raided two fake animal shelters accused of exploiting injured dogs to scam online donors.
The operation followed an investigation that exposed how social media accounts were allegedly using disturbing videos and photos of suffering dogs to collect large donations from animal lovers around the world.Authorities confirmed that one suspect, Owen Godfrey Membe, has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
He pleaded not guilty in court and has been remanded in custody until May 27.
Two other suspects are reportedly still on the run.Animal rights groups said the rescued dogs are now being cared for by Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda, a coalition of local and international activists working to stop organised animal abuse.According to activists, emergency shelters are being prepared to relocate and properly care for the animals following the raid.
Investigators alleged that some dogs were intentionally harmed to create emotional content for fundraising campaigns online.
The money raised was reportedly used for personal luxury lifestyles instead of helping the animals.One of the most heartbreaking cases involved a dog named Russet, whose severe leg injuries appeared in multiple social media appeals asking for donations.
A veterinary surgeon later suggested the injuries may have been deliberately inflicted. Sadly, Russet did not survive.
The legal action against Membe is being supported by the Animal Justice Center with assistance from We Won’t Be Scammed, a group focused on exposing fake rescue shelters operating online.Animal welfare campaigners say the case has attracted global attention and could become a major test of Uganda’s commitment to tackling animal cruelty and online fraud.
