Inside one of Uganda’s biggest animal rescue operations and why it’s not over yet.
In May 2026, the Animal Welfare Association of Uganda (AWAU) carried out one of the most significant animal rescue operations in the country’s history. Fifty-two dogs and six cats were pulled from two backyard shelter locations in Mityana, Uganda victims of a criminal dog scam network that had been operating for years before finally being exposed.
This is their story. And this is your chance to be part of what happens next.
How the BBC Helped Expose a Dog Scam Network in Uganda
It started with a tip.
One of AWAU’s trusted animal welfare advocates on the ground flagged a scam operation targeting unsuspecting people, many of them outside Uganda, who believed they were buying or adopting legitimate pets. The tip led to a BBC documentary, filmed in Uganda in the summer of 2025, that brought international attention to what was happening in Mityana.
Dog scam networks are more widespread than most people realize. Victims are deceived with photos of healthy, well-bred animals, pay significant sums of money, and either receive sick animals in terrible condition or nothing at all. Behind the transaction, real animals suffer in cramped, unsafe conditions with little food, water, or medical care.
The BBC documentary changed everything. It set the stage for law enforcement to act.
The Rescue: What Happened on May 10, 2026
On the morning of May 10, 2026, Mityana Police arrested one suspect connected to the network. That afternoon, AWAU moved in.
Working alongside the Mityana Police, our team rescued 52 dogs and 6 cats from two backyard shelter locations. Every animal was immediately placed under strict veterinary care. Because they are now evidence in an active criminal case, they remain in AWAU’s custody around the clock until the courts release them for adoption.
The next court date is set for May 28, 2026. All evidence will be handed to the State Prosecutor.
Then came an unexpected development. On May 16 and May 17, two of the rescued pregnant female dogs gave birth. Thirteen puppies entered the world fragile, vulnerable, and completely dependent on us. Two unfortunately succumbed to unknown circumstances.
Our total count is now 69 lives in our care.
What These Animals Need Right Now
These are not animals that can simply be cleaned up and rehomed overnight. Many arrived malnourished, stressed, and medically compromised. Rehabilitation takes time, patience, and resources.
Over the next 4 to 6 months, AWAU’s plan is to:
- Nurse every animal back to full physical health
- Provide behavioral rehabilitation so they can trust humans again
- Prepare each dog, cat, and puppy for adoption into a permanent, loving home
That means daily veterinary care. Nutritious food. Safe shelter. Behavioral therapy. And the ongoing legal and operational costs of supporting a criminal prosecution that could set a landmark precedent for animal welfare in Uganda.
None of this is possible without funding, so we thank our ongoing funders Welttierschutzgesellschaft (WTG), Lady Freethinker and CTC Conservation Center for trusting us to make this happen. Also thank you to Animal-Kind International for donating towards the emergency medical treatments being offered to these animals.
Why a Donation Matters No Matter Where You Are
You don’t have to be in Uganda to make a difference for these animals here.
Animal lovers around the world have already changed what is going to happen to 69 rescued lives. A donation to AWAU goes directly towards stopping these scams, rescuing animals, and bringing justice to online scammers..
Dog scam networks target people globally. By helping AWAU, you are helping protect animals and potential victims everywhere from this ever happening again.
How to Help
You can support AWAU’s mission through our donate link on our page.
Follow AWAU on social media for real-time updates on the animals’ recovery and the outcome of the May 28th when we return to court to begin to present our case. These animals have already survived the worst. With help we are getting from around the world, the best is still ahead of them.
Donate today and be part of the story.