Stray animals to get more protection

Al Ain: Animal welfare is a top priority with an organisation in Abu Dhabi as a no-kill policy has been put in place to achieve environmental balance.

The Centre of Waste Management — Abu Dhabi, the agency responsible for catching stray animals in Abu Dhabi's cities, on Sunday launched a public awareness campaign.Hamad Al Ameri, general manager of the Centre of Waste Management, said compassion and animal welfare were parts of Arabian culture.

"It's intrinsically embedded in our culture, heritage and religion," he said. The emirate, however, lacks proper legislation for animal welfare.

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has taken an initiative and the centre has taken the lead to pursue the policy and help to create public awareness, said the centre's official. A series of lectures and public debates has been launched to prevent euthanasia of stray cats and dogs.

Al Ameri said Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital and other government entities also supported the Centre for Waste Management in its efforts.