Dozens of dogs have been rescued in Uganda following a major police raid on fake animal shelters accused of exploiting animals for online scam operations, authorities and animal rights groups said.
The rescue operation came after a BBC investigation exposed how social media accounts based in the Ugandan district of Mityana allegedly used videos and images of injured dogs to deceive international donors into sending large amounts of money.
Police raided two adjacent shelters linked to the operation and arrested suspect Owen Godfrey Membe, who has been charged with animal cruelty under Uganda’s Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Act. Membe pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until 27 May.
Animal rights activists said two additional suspects connected to the operation remain at large.
The rescued dogs are currently being cared for at the raided shelters under the supervision of Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda, a coalition of local and international animal rights groups working to combat organised animal abuse.
The organisation said veterinarians and volunteers are preparing an emergency shelter facility on newly secured land to relocate and care for the animals safely.
The case against Membe is being pursued through a private prosecution led by the Animal Justice Center with support from We Won’t Be Scammed, a British activist network known for exposing fraudulent online animal rescue campaigns.
According to the BBC investigation, some individuals behind the fake shelters used emotional videos of suffering dogs to solicit donations from overseas supporters while allegedly spending the money on luxury lifestyles instead of animal care.
Undercover footage also suggested that some dogs may have been intentionally injured to create distressing content for social media.
One case highlighted in the investigation involved a dog named Russet, whose severe leg injuries were repeatedly featured across numerous online fundraising accounts. The BBC traced the animal’s treatment journey to a veterinary clinic in Kampala, where a surgeon reportedly suspected the injuries may have been deliberately inflicted. Russet later died.
“This is the first arrest after the world witnessed how this scam evolved into an online content-creator business built on animal suffering,” said Bart Kakooza, vice-chairperson of Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda.
He added that international attention was now focused on how Uganda would handle the case and ensure justice for abused animals.
Activists hope the operation marks the beginning of a wider crackdown on fraudulent animal rescue networks exploiting both vulnerable animals and compassionate donors online.