( MENAFN - Khaleej Times) Published: Sat 25 May 2024, 2:20 PM Last updated: Sat 25 May 2024, 7:01 PM Early Friday morning, the caretaker of Stray Dogs Centre in Umm Al Quwain heard a ruckus in one section of the shelter. He rushed to the small area and was stunned by what he saw. "Three of our huskies were bitten by a viper in our sanctuary area where dogs from the purebred unit run freely daily," said Amirah William, the founder of Stray Dogs Center.
At the time, seven dogs were running freely in that section. The three huskies - Betty, Wally, and Janny - were administered emergency treatment at the shelter and transferred to the British Veterinary Hospital within 30 minutes of being bitten. Stay up to date with the latest news.
Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Speaking to Khaleej Times, the founder said, "All three were bitten on the face and were in critical condition. We will have to wait and see whether or not the anti-venom, along with supportive treatment, has worked.
" New Zealander explained how the viper entered the centre: "After the storm in mid-April, we added a drain hole in the small sanctuary area. The snake got through the drainage hole as the entire shelter is protected by brick fencing." Looking at the photo and video of the viper, an expert revealed that it is a mature female Arabian Horned Viper (Cerastes gasperettii).
Watch the video posted by Stray Dogs Centre below. British national Waddah Moseley, a Zoological and Animal Welfare Specialist, said, "Looki.