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Suspect Arrested After Police Raid on Two Uganda Shelters; Dogs in Care of Activists
Police raided two adjacent shelters in Uganda and arrested a suspect on animal cruelty charges. The dogs from the raided sites, and those from a nearby operation, are now in the care of animal welfare groups, which are establishing an emergency shelter. The case is being pursued as a private prosecution with support from an international group.
Why It Matters
The case highlights efforts to combat animal cruelty and exploitation, and how civil society groups are coordinating to rescue and rehabilitate affected animals in Uganda.
Timeline
6 Events
Investigation reveals dogs harmed for content
May 13, 2026
The investigation also revealed there have been instances of dogs being intentionally harmed for content. Bart Kakooza, vice-chairperson of the Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda, stated that this case marks a significant moment in exposing the scam and pursuing justice for the animals.
We Won't Be Scammed to assist in transferring dogs to partner facilities
May 13, 2026
We Won't Be Scammed said it was working to receive the dogs from the raided shelters in its existing partner facilities in Uganda.
Private prosecution brought by Animal Justice Center
May 13, 2026
The case against Membe has been brought as a private prosecution by the Animal Justice Center, with funding from We Won't Be Scammed, a UK-based group that disputes sham rescue shelters in Uganda.
Dogs from Membe's shelter and nearby operation placed in care; emergency shelter planned
May 13, 2026
Membe's dogs and those belonging to a nearby operation remain at the raided shelters but are now in the care of the Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda. The organisation has secured land to establish an emergency shelter to receive the dogs.
Membe pleads not guilty; remanded until May 27
May 13, 2026
Owen Godfrey Membe pleaded not guilty to a charge of animal cruelty and was remanded in custody until 27 May.
Police raid on two shelters; arrest made
May 13, 2026
Two adjacent shelters in Uganda were raided by the police, and a suspect was arrested on an animal cruelty charge. The charge cited is killing an animal in an unnecessarily cruel manner under Uganda's Animals (Prevention of Cruelty) Act.