Dubai: Residents who are found walking their dogs who are found in the Dubai municipality prohibited list in residential and public places unmasked and un-leased will be fined Dh 2000 and get their dogs confiscated.

The rule comes into effect from January 1, 2008.

“If the dog has a tag number and is registered with us it will be returned to its owner in three days provided the fine is paid. A repeat violation will come as a last warning,'' said Dr. Hisham Fahamy, head of veterinary services at Dubai Municipality.

The Dubai municipality had issued a circular that prohibits sixteen breeds of dogs in residential and public areas.

The circular read: “In order to protect the public from animal diseases, the presence of following breeds of dogs is prohibited in residential areas, public places, markets and shopping centers from January 1, 2008. All pet owners are hereby requested to keep their dogs on a leash on streets and beaches and not to walk them without masks.

"Owners shall be responsible for any damage resulted from their non-compliance. Dubai Municipality will confiscate dogs if it causes harm or poses threat to people, animals and properties. Violators will be dealt as per municipality rules and regulations''

A debate about laws governing dangerous dogs is brewing in UK after a 13-month-old boy died after he was attacked by Rottweiler in Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Fahamy yesterday told Gulf News that a four month grace period was given to dog owners to make themselves and their pets acquainted with the new regulation.

“We have been receiving a lot of complaints from residents who were concerned about dogs being kept in apartments and walked un-leashed,'' said Fahamy.

Municipality prohibited list of dogs include

American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Bull Dog
Bull Terrier
Old English Bull Dog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tosa
Husky
Rottweiler
Doberman
Shar Pei
Perro de presa mallorquin/Bull Dog
Neapolitan
Argentinean Mastiff
Miniature Bull Terrier
Canary dog fila brasilerio/ Brazilian Mastiff