Abu Dhabi: Dogs are now banned in public places such as beaches, swimming pools, parks, shopping centres and restaurants, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi (ADM) has announced.
The Municipality has called on all owners and custodians of dogs and pets in general to adhere to the public health and hygiene stipulations while walking their dogs in areas such as roads, gardens and sidewalks.
Owners are required to remove dogs' waste, place it in tightly-closed plastic bags and throw it in the nearest rubbish bin. Failure to abide by these rules will invoke legal questioning and possibly penalties.
"Traditionally, the UAE culture doesn't allow animals in public areas. However we are in a country that is open to all cultures therefore we compromise; but from a health point of view and for the scenic appearance of the capital, the least people can do is to keep the city clean. This is their duty and responsibility," an official from the ADM said
"People will get a warning on first violation, but if the act is repeated they will incur fines," the official added.
Maha, a university student admitted she doesn't clean her dog's waste.
"I like to walk my dog daily. I never clean after [it dirties the place] except if the dog dirties the main road and someone actually sees the incident, otherwise I ignore it," Maha said. "However from now on I have no choice but to respect the new regulations, and if the housemaid is with me I will ask her to do the cleaning," she added
Salama, a university student as well said, "I don't clean after my dog [dirties the place] since I walk him on the sand or in a park".
"I took my dog once with me to Marina Mall and I was asked by a security guard to leave him in a big dog cage at the entrance or to leave him outside. When I looked I didn't find any cage. And, even if one was available, I would be nervous leaving my dog with others because dogs can hurt each other depending on the size," Salama added.
"The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City will soon roll on an awareness campaign urging owners and custodians of dogs to comply with the health and safety guidelines and maintain tight control of dogs," Khalifa Mohammad Al Rumaithi, the Director of Public Health, said.
"It's especially important not to leave dogs at large without reining them, this puts the dogs at risk and exposes them to traffic accidents when they run across roads," Al Rumaithi further added.
"I agree, however, since my dog is so small and won't hurt anyone, I sometimes walk him unleashed," Salama said.
The Municipality will soon promulgate new rules enforcing a compulsory immunisation and numbering system of pets, including cats, through microchip system, he said. Designated areas at parks for picnicking & strolling dogs will later be announced by the Municipality, he said.
