Abu Dhabi, UAE CNN —A group of United Arab Emirates residents has found more than 140 cats dumped in a desert lot in the capital Abu Dhabi, in a phenomenon that has drawn criticism from international animal rights organizations and prompted a government investigation. The animals were abandoned across the highway from the government-run Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter in al Falah, a residential area in Abu Dhabi. September temperatures reach a high of 40.5C (105F) in Abu Dhabi city. Ten pet cats from Dubai, an hour’s drive from Abu Dhabi, were identified by microchips and returned to their homes. Abu Dhabi initiated a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in 2008 to control feral and stray cats, primarily through the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter.

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Persons: Chiku, Jason Baker, ” Baker, Katherine Polak, microchips, Abu Dhabi Organizations: UAE CNN, United Arab Emirates, Abu, Abu Dhabi Animal, CNN, Animals, PETA, PETA Asia, Abu Dhabi’s Department, Municipalities, Humane Society International, International Organization for Animal Protection Locations: Abu Dhabi, UAE, Falah, PETA Asia, Dubai, Abu