New rule leaves frustrated residents with few options

Dubai: Gulf News readers urged the Abu Dhabi municipality to provide more outdoor activity options for pets, following the recent law banning the entry of dogs to various public places in Abu Dhabi.

For Chris Baker, owner of a five-year-old Shitzu, the question was simple: "Where do we take our dog if he wants to go for a walk?"

The British expatriate living in the Al Shamkha area said: "If the authorities are going to ban the entry of dogs to beaches, walking my dog is going to be the main problem. If I take her on the [main] roads, I have to watch out for the traffic. What facilities will the authorities provide for dog owners?"

Hana Hounaine, Lebanese owner of a two-year-old Pekinese, said: "I understand that we have to clean up after our dogs. However, this new rule means that we will have to keep our dogs in at all times."

Hygiene and safety

Hana said that while she understood that the rule was created because of hygiene and safety concerns, these could be addressed in other ways.

"There are already regulations [in place] to keep our dogs regularly vaccinated. As long the dogs are clean I don't see any reason why we can't take them to parks and beaches. At least certain parks and beaches [should allow dogs in]."

Following the announcement, Hana said that she would now take her dog for a walk around her residential area or to the Abu Dhabi corniche. "I admit it's not a civilised thing to walk the dog and not clean after but since everybody does I never bothered to put an effort," I.S., a woman in the education industry, said.

"I wish it was allowed to walk or swim my dog at the beach. It's too bad that dogs are not allowed anywhere. Some open air restaurants and cafes should allow that," she added.

— With additional inputs from Iman Sherif, Staff Reporter

Have your say

Are you a pet owner living in Abu Dhabi? Will the new law affect you? How do you plan to take your dog out for a walk?