An animal rights organization has criticized an influencer for reportedly abandoning her pet dog while leaving Dubai amidst missile and drone strikes in the UAE. Maddy Burciaga, a 32-year-old French influencer with 2.7 million Instagram followers, disclosed that she left her dog with the family’s nanny when relocating to Mauritius, citing paperwork complications as the reason. This decision faced immediate backlash online, with La Ligue Des Animaux condemning her actions, stating that dogs exhibit loyalty by staying with their humans even in difficult situations.
The organization expressed disappointment that Maddy did not make efforts to bring her dog along or make proper arrangements for its care. Maddy, also known as Maddy Samat, originally from Pont-à-Mousson, is the founder of Mlips Cosmetics and gained fame from appearing on the reality show Qui veut épouser mon fils? in 2015.
This is not the first time Maddy has been embroiled in controversy. Previously, she faced criticism for falsely implying a partnership with the animal welfare organization Fondation Brigitte Bardot, claiming that a portion of her cosmetics sales would be donated to the foundation. However, the foundation denied any association or receiving funds from her.
Social media reactions to the situation have been mixed, with some accusing Maddy of insensitivity towards her dog, while others defended her actions as not abandoning the pet permanently. Amidst the escalating tensions in the region due to the Iran war, expats in Dubai are reportedly concerned about the situation, with some choosing to leave their pets behind.
Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai and Due Process International, highlighted the growing anxiety among expats and investors regarding the potential impact of war fears and censorship warnings on Dubai’s stability. The 2009 financial crash led to residents leaving luxury cars at the airport, and today, some are facing the difficult decision of leaving their pets behind in uncertain times. Maddy has been contacted for a response regarding the controversy.