Police in Mityana District have arrested a man accused of animal cruelty in a case linked to an alleged online animal rescue scam that recently attracted international attention following the release of a documentary exposing suspected exploitation of animals for financial gain.
The suspect, identified as Owen Godfrey Membe, was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, May 10, 2026, during an operation conducted by officers from Mityana Police.
The arrest followed a warrant issued under Criminal Case No. MIT: 328 of 2025 and signed by Grade One Magistrate Mugezi Amon.
The case was initiated through a joint complaint filed by the Animal Justice Center, Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda, the Uganda Veterinary Council and the campaign group We Won’t Be Scammed.
According to Counsel Ambrose Kibuuka, a representative of Animal Welfare Alliance Uganda, Membe is facing charges of animal cruelty contrary to Section 2(1)(e) of the Animal (Prevention of Cruelty) Act, Cap 49.
Investigators revealed that during the operation, another animal shelter located near the suspect’s premises was also discovered, raising further concerns about the welfare and treatment of animals at the facilities.
The arrest comes days after the airing of the BBC documentary titled “Save Our Dogs: Inside Uganda’s Rescue Scam,” released on May 4, 2026, which alleged that some individuals were using disturbing images and videos of suffering animals to solicit donations online from unsuspecting well-wishers abroad, with much of the activity reportedly centred in Mityana District.
Counsel Kibuuka said this marks the first arrest directly linked to allegations highlighted in the documentary.
“This is an important step in addressing organised animal exploitation and online fraud. The world is now watching to see how Uganda handles these cases and whether justice will be served for the abused animals,” he said.
Counsel Kibuuka and Counsel Elvis Edwin Ssemyalo, who represents the coalition of organisations behind the case, have called on members of the public to cooperate with investigators, especially residents who may have lost pets in areas surrounding the identified shelters.
They said the case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of animal rescue campaigns for personal financial gain through online fundraising schemes.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and assessing the condition of animals reportedly recovered from the shelters.