Dubai: An Abu Dhabi-based animal welfare group has found a dog with its tail cut off, in what is the latest incident of animal abuse reported in the capital.

On its Facebook page, Animal Action UAE said that on June 25, 2017, it found Lucy – an abused animal that looks as if it had its tail sawn off, and was held down by more than one person.

The welfare group said over the last week, the animal is doing well, considering her injury.

“She is still very scared and so we hope that over the next week she will start to relax and learn that no one wants to hurt her. She has had difficulty doing her 'business' due to the lack of skin around her rear end and so at first, the vets were having to help her entirely to do a number 2. Now she is able to go a little bit on her own but it's painful for her.”

According to the welfare group, the vet is certain that someone had cut off the tail, and that it would have taken more than one person to hold her down and do so.

“We are hoping the infection will go away entirely and that new skin will grow with the care she is getting. As much of the infected skin and flesh was removed as possible.”

On June 30, another dog called Halle was found with her leg cut, and is scheduled to have her leg amputated.

The law

According to article 432 of the Federal Punishment Law, anyone found torturing or abusing an animal can be fined Dh10,000.

Individuals who are found guilty of abusing or the illegal hunting, buying or selling of animals face a one-year prison term and a fine of Dh200,000 under Federal Law 18, which was issued late last year.

The use of an animal for scientific experiment without an official permit is subject to a fine of between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000 and a one-year prison sentence.