Dubai: In the wake of Dubai’s latest incident of animal abuse, the municipality has called on residents who witness any form of animal abuse to notify authorities immediately.
Speaking to Gulf News, Hashim Al Awadhi, head of veterinary services at Dubai Municipality, said: “Anybody that is caught harming or abusing animals will be charged for violating the law, and will be slapped with a hefty fine, in addition to facing legal consequences.”
The municipality’s stance against animal cruelty was made after residents discovered a cat on Wednesday morning with its ears and tail cut off.
The cat, which City Vet Clinic has now called Bob, is currently recuperating at its Al Wasl branch.
Al Awadhi explained that once a complaint is lodged with Dubai Municipality’s hotline number 800900, officials will then launch a prompt investigation into the allegations of animal abuse.
“For us to take action against offenders, we have to be notified of the date and time of the incident, and more importantly, the identity of the offender. Only when we have these three criteria met, can we launch an investigation and open a case with Dubai Police,” said Al Awadhi.
On Thursday, the clinic – who received the abused animal – posted an online video of the kitten recuperating after receiving medical attention.
Dr Kathleen Leguin, from City Vet Clinic, told Gulf News: “Bob is now doing great and eating well, but is still on strong painkillers. We carried out an hour and a half operation to close the wounds, and it will take between 10 days to two weeks before he has fully recovered.”
While the cat remains at the veterinary clinic during its recuperation, Dr Leguin hopes that the feline friend will soon find its forever-home.
UAE Federal Law 16 of 2007 states that inadequate diet or undernourishment, unsafe transportation, as well as other forms of mistreatment, including scientific experiments, cruelty and sexual abuse, are punishable by law.
Animals should receive medical attention when needed and abandonment is also illegal. According to previous Gulf News reports, offenders can face a fine from Dh5,000 to Dh20,000.
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES BELOW
