Target: Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief, Sharjah Police, United Arab Emirates
Goal: Impose the maximum prison term and fine on the suspect who reportedly burned a cat’s genitals with a lighter while laughing and posting the footage online.
A shocking video circulating on social media purportedly shows a man using a cigarette lighter to scorch a cat’s genitals as another individual films and laughs. The distressing clip, which surfaced about three weeks ago, was reportedly traced to an area near Noor Mosque by Buhaira Corniche. Horrified animal-welfare advocates immediately alerted Sharjah Police, who have since launched an investigation into this apparent act of extreme cruelty.
Witnesses state that the cat writhed in pain while the suspect continued the assault, seemingly unfazed by the animal’s agony. Activists further claim the perpetrator proudly shared the footage on social platforms, displaying utter disregard for the nation’s animal-welfare laws. Under UAE statutes, intentionally harming or killing an animal can lead to up to one year of imprisonment and fines reaching 10,000 dirhams—penalties that must be fully enforced to deter similar brutality.
Swift and decisive legal action is essential. A clear message must be sent that torturing an animal for “entertainment” will be met with the harshest consequences available. Anything less risks normalizing cruelty and encouraging copy-cat offenses. Urge Sharjah’s top law-enforcement official to pursue every applicable charge and advocate for the toughest sentence the law allows.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Major General Al Shamsi,
A recently circulated video reportedly depicts a man deliberately burning a cat’s genitals with a lighter while an associate records and laughs. The location has been identified near Noor Mosque, and concerned citizens have supplied information to your investigators. If verified, this conduct constitutes a blatant violation of the UAE’s animal-welfare statutes and reveals a disturbing level of cruelty.
The suspect’s apparent willingness to publicize the abuse suggests a dangerous belief that such acts carry little consequence. Enforcing the full extent of the law—including the maximum prison term and substantial fines—will demonstrate that Sharjah stands firmly against the torture of defenseless creatures. Strong prosecution will also discourage others from committing or sharing similar atrocities online.
We respectfully urge your department to treat this case with the utmost seriousness: gather every piece of evidence, file all relevant charges, and recommend the highest penalties permissible. Justice for this cat—and a safer community—depend on a resolute response.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Samet Demirhan
