Dubai
A concern that many have is whether waste left behind by pets is unhealthy and can have any negative health effects on those who accidently step in it. Gulf News spoke to Dr Raimundo Tamagnini, a veterinary surgeon at Dubai-based Energetic Panacea Veterinary Clinic, about it.
He said: “It is not only unhealthy for our pets and for us, but is also uncivilised to leave the faeces of our pets in public and private places. This lack of hygiene and respect can or may pass infectious diseases to other pets and humans — Zoonotic infections that range from common to rare and cover all the important pathogen groups. Many are mild and have only temporary effects. However, others can be fatal. Most are more severe in high-risk populations like the old, the young and the immunocompromised and the developing foetus.
“Giardia spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Toxocara canis and Toxoplasma gondii are notable examples. Humans may acquire infection from soil contaminated with roundworm eggs by direct ingestion, from unwashed hands or by consumption of contaminated vegetables. Symptoms in humans and pets can go from diarrhea, weight loss and skin problems to pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue) and chronic abdominal pain. Prevention of infection amongst humans and our pets requires common sense measures such as hand washing, proper disposal of animal waste and ensuring that infected animals are diagnosed and treated.”
The concerned authorities are already taking measures to improve the situation. Dog waste stations have been put up all over Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), with black plastic bags rolled neatly into green metal boxes. They are strategically placed next to trash bins so that people have a place to dispose of the dog waste after scooping it up in the disposal bags available at the stations.
Dubai Municipality has a number of rules for dog owners, even though some developers in Dubai have set their own regulations. As per the municipality’s website, failure to clean up and dispose dog’s waste or leftovers when taking the dog out can result in a fine of Dh200 plus a written undertaking that the offence will not be repeated. If caught again, the dog is impounded and the fine is of Dh400. Additionally, the current fine is Dh200 for failing to have a dog on a leash when in a public space.
Some areas in Dubai , like Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Marina promenade, have a no-pet policy. Abu Dhabi has placed a ban on dogs at beaches, shopping centres, public parks, swimming pools and restaurants.
