Merge with the zoo
I would suggest that this place should be shifted to the Sharjah Zoo where the animals would have a better habitat and the authorities could keep track of the trade (‘Sharjah Bird and Animal Market investigated,’ Gulf News, August 5). Simultaneously, there could also be a workshop for the buyers on how to train their pets as well as a veterinary facility.
From Mr Kishore Purohit
Pune, India
Facebook comment
Corrective action
I had visited the Sharjah Bird and Animal Market some time ago to see for myself what I heard through friends and the press. The conditions in which the animals and birds are kept there is simply appalling. Once the concerned ministry has completed their findings, it would be interesting to know what corrective actions have been taken to better the living conditions of all animals and birds boxed inside this hot, humid and filthy market. It would also be good to see what punitive measures are taken against the vendors whose negligence constitutes an open, flagrant violation of local laws relating to basic animal rights. Thank you Gulf News for your report.
From Ms Perveez Saif Al Deen
Sharjah
Recreational ownership
Any market thrives due to the buyers. Keeping pets for the sake of fun is not good. It’s not only in the animal market that animals are treated poorly, but also we do not know how the pets are treated once they are bought by the customers.
Selling and keeping of pets for fun should be banned completely. This will also address the issue of several communities where residents are having a tough time due to mess created by pets. There were days when pets were needed by mankind for some reason. Now it has become just a pastime.
From Mr Salim
Dubai
Website comment
Pathetic treatment
Finally someone is actually doing something about it. The Sharjah Bird and Animal Market is such a mess, and it is horribly managed. I have actually seen a kangaroo and a peacock in small glass compartments lying down. It’s pathetic and sad.
From Mr Fahd Durrani
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Dirty and unhygienic
There should be some law and restriction for all bird and animal markets in the UAE. They are keeping some animals that are not pets. I saw a yellow snake in another bird and animal market. They were not using proper cages according to their size and not giving enough food and water. It’s cruel to keep animals in such a dirty and unhygienic way.
From Ms Archana Sen
UAE
Facebook comment
Shut them down
I’d be a lot happier if all the pet shops were closed down and not re-opened until all the shelters and rescue organisations had found homes for the current abandoned and ownerless animals in the UAE.
From Ms Maria Davies-Smith
Dubai
Facebook comment
Rumour of cruel treatment
This is such a horrible, disgusting and cruel place. I heard that they don’t give the poor animals water for the whole day so they don’t pee because nobody wants to clean up after them.
From Mr Rayan Muhairbi
Dubai
Facebook comment
The stench
It’s good that finally someone is taking the initiative. The birds and animals are kept in an unhygienic alley and it’s really sad. First and foremost, the stench is unbearable.
From Ms Namratha Santosh
Dubai
Facebook comment
Let God judge
Great story, and yes, as a Muslim man, I commend her stance (‘Watch: Unveiled Saudi anchorwoman causes controversy,’ Gulf News, August 5). The Prophet Mohammad [PBUH] taught us tolerance and respect. Please stop the radicalisation of this magnificent religion.
Remember that one of the role models for all women is Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Prophet’s first wife, was also a great businesswoman of the era. We are all here to be judged based on our own actions by God and not other fellow human beings.
Please brothers and sisters, let us all stop the radicalisation of our religion and really focus on the message and faith.
From Mr Mohammad Al Bakar
Geneva, Swaziland
Website comment
Change the channel
It is amazing to hear how a woman working in England can cause so much controversy 5,000km away. If someone feels offended seeing an unveiled news broadcaster, then that’s their personal preference. I suggest to just change the channel. How hard is that?
From Ms Rishi
Dubai
Website comment
Different countries
Only a Muslim woman with wisdom will understand the necessity of a hijab. However, there are many women from Saudi Arabia, or other Gulf states who wear veils in their own country and then can be seen without it on the beaches of California.
From Ms Fatima A.
UAE
Full name withheld on request
Misconceptions?
I have been to both Riyadh and Jeddah several times during the past six years and 95 per cent of the time I did not use the veil and walked through Riyadh freely. I never encountered the religious police even when entering malls alone and took taxis freely.
I wonder why the article claims in Riyadh women must be veiled. It has not been my experience. The Kingdom is a welcoming place where all I feel is protected. I think this is a common misconception.
From Ms Ingrid Naranjo
Dubai
Website comment
Admire her courage
I find her absolutely decent and professional. I just can’t understand why such trivial things are blown out of proportions and made a matter of traditional and cultural violations. I think it reflects on masculine insecurities. Much worse things are happening, which are deliberately ignored. I admire the courage of this woman and news anchor.
From Mr Mughis Ahmad
Doha, Qatar
Website comment
Leave her be
A Muslim is known by their dress and God is impressed by the people who wear decent dress for his sake. If this woman has no interest in impressing God, then leave her and she will answer to God on the day of judgement.
From Ms Sumaya Shaikh
UAE
Facebook comment
Do not agree
I agree with Saudi Arabia’s rules of women having to wear hijabs, but I don’t agree with their policy of women not being allowed to drive.
From Mr Fares Edris
Dubai
Facebook comment
Valley of tears
Gaza has become a veritable valley of tears to say the least. All the brutal wrath of the aggressive and belligerent Israel is used on the innocent civilians of Gaza, which has indeed made the place a sad valley of blood and tears. I am sure that Israel will be condemned by history.
I strongly feel that a total boycott of Israel is the need of the hour. But how is it possible with the US and the West standing against natural justice and God’s commands? Given the current round of atrocities, a substantial change in the US stance on Israel cannot be ruled out.
The whole world is veering around the strong view that the US is unreasonable, illogical and stands against all norms of international law and natural justice.
From Thomas Matthew Parackel
Kerala, India
Shameful act
It is extremely sad and disappointing that these helpless children are ill treated at the hands of their caretakers at these orphanages and shelters (‘Watch: Egypt in shock over orphanage abuse video,’ Gulf News, August 6). It is only due to the courage of his wife that this abuse came to light or else these children would have continued to endure beatings silently.
The man deserves to be punished severely for his shameful act of savagely beating these children. I feel sorry for his own children who have a father like him. No wonder he ill treats them as well, which in turn prompted his wife to go against him.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
UAE
Facebook comment
Hard to watch
God bless his wife for bringing this to light. Seven years is too little for spoiling the lives of those children and making it hell. They have already suffered too much already in their lives. Their scared faces were hard to watch.
From Ms Sangeetha Sudeep
UAE
Facebook comment
Sickening
I feel sick from hearing about this sad news. How can an adult do this to any child? I can hardly imagine vulnerable children lining up in fear to be hurt at his hands. He is someone who is supposed to be protecting them. I hope he is punished severely for his actions.
From Ms Jane Dargue
Dubai
Facebook comment
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