From being trapped in cramped, canned-sardine cages by humans to wandering helplessly in vast streets with no food or shelter, the downfall of animals is anything but subtle. In Oman, incidents of animal mistreatment could generally be thought of as few; however, some cases have recently come to light and drawn the attention of the public who were furious to learn that such atrocities exist.
Take, for example, the disturbing incident of the Barka cat tormentor. The story goes that a young girl travelling away for the summer entrusted her cat’s safety at a pet boarding accommodation found online only to realise ultimately that she was involved in a scam of a tremendously grotesque nature that led to the discovery of one of the most bizarre cases in Omani history.
The girl arrived back from her vacation and went straight to the pet boarding facility thrilled to be reunited with her pet friend but she was met with the harrowing scene of cat bodies scattered everywhere , mutilated and decomposed. The place was an absolute massacre with entire cat bodies reduced to nothing but tails or skinned fur. Regrettably, the remains of the girl’s furry friend were never retrieved.
While public awareness of animal welfare continues to grow, some heartbreaking stories still emerge from behind the walls of veterinary clinics, stories of helpless creatures suffering in silence.
When asked about the worst case of abuse she has ever encountered, Dr Umama Abdullah, a veterinarian at a private clinic, recounted with sadness: “We once received a cat that was tied with iron wires all over its body and had multiple broken legs. It was in a truly tragic condition.”
She continued, “Another case involved a cat whose owner had locked it on the roof of her house for two scorching summer days, without food or water, until it was on the brink of death from dehydration. Dr Umama emphasised that incidents of animal cruelty in Oman are rare, but even a few can leave a lasting emotional impact on veterinarians.
“What hurts us most,” she said, “is that animals can’t express their pain. We have to read their stories through their wounds and their frightened eyes.”
Regarding preventive measures, she stressed the importance of stricter oversight of animal care facilities and boarding centres, calling for clearer laws to hold abusers accountable. “Licensing requirements and proper training in animal welfare for staff at these facilities are essential,” she added.
Suad bint Abdullah al Ghailaniyah, a psychotherapist at Eunoia Clinic, explained that animal cruelty does not arise in isolation, but is often rooted in complex psychological and environmental factors. “Individuals who lack empathy or struggle to control their emotions are more prone to such behaviour,” she said.
Al Ghailani noted that those who experienced violence or neglect in childhood may unconsciously repeat that pattern toward weaker beings as a way to regain a sense of power or control. In some cases, this behaviour is linked to personality disorders such as antisocial personality disorder or conduct disorder in adolescents. She noted that violence toward animals can sometimes predict violent behaviour toward humans, particularly when it appears early in life, as it reflects deep emotional dysregulation and difficulty expressing anger.
Al Ghailani also warned that children exposed to violence against animals may develop desensitisation to cruelty, weakening their sense of empathy, while others may experience fear, sadness, or confusion about compassion. According to Al Ghailani, a lack of awareness, emotional distress, and the search for attention or validation, especially on social media, can drive some young people to harm animals. She emphasised that treatment should focus on understanding behaviour, fostering empathy, and encouraging positive interaction with animals to build compassion and responsibility.
Ibrahim al Zaabi, an animal lover and cat care activist, said that raising cats has profoundly changed him, giving him a stronger sense of responsibility and compassion. He explained that having cats in his life provides him with positive energy and inner peace, noting that they have often been a source of emotional support.
Al Zaabi emphasised that keeping pets fosters compassion and humanity, teaching people to be responsible for a vulnerable creature that depends entirely on them. He added that those who treat animals kindly tend to be calmer and more balanced in life.
Al Zaabi noted that public awareness of animal rights has improved, especially among young people. "Everyone can contribute with a simple action. Feeding a stray cat, spreading awareness, or speaking kindly. Small steps can profoundly change a person’s behaviour toward animals," he said.
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Individuals who have experienced violence or neglect during childhood may unknowingly perpetuate that cycle by exhibiting similar behaviour towards those who are more vulnerable, as a means of asserting power or control. This behaviour is often associated with personality disorders like antisocial personality disorder or conduct disorder in adolescents.
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