A space for pets

It is no secret that animals in the UAE do not enjoy the same privileges as those in other parts of the world. Residents have grown used to reading about endangered animals spotted in vehicles, the lack of concern for stray and starving cats in their neighbourhood and animal charities being forced to close due to lack of financial support.

Despite the lukewarm attitude towards animal rights, many animal lovers can’t ignore them. And so amidst desensitised residents, there are those who do whatever they can, using the little resources and support they receive, to promote animal rights in the UAE.

Garage sales, flea markets, Facebook campaigns and online petitions are a few of the many ways volunteers strive to spread awareness and collect funds.

In 2010, two activists from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals took a more aggressive approach by demonstrating in front of a zoo in Dubai. Police stopped the protest as the duo did not have a permit for their activity. Residents have since taken to lawful ways of raising awareness and pushing for change.

Petitions

Online petitions via the website Care2 petitionsite (Petitionsite.com) have increased drastically over the past few years. A few of the many petitions highlighted the plight of homeless dogs in Dubai and the fate of the horses in Mushrif Park.

Other petitions call for the closure of the Dubai Zoo, a ban on hunting endangered sharks and a plea to implement a Federal Law for animal welfare.

It isn’t only animal rights supporters and animal lovers who find it difficult to deal with this. Residents themselves are also suffering the consequences of having a pet at home.

Pet owners constantly struggle with unreasonable landlords, apprehensive neighbours and the ever-changing rules and regulations concerning animals.

“Landlords in this country work as per their convenience. In the downturn, when tenants were hard to come by, anything and everything was allowed,” said Alex Wick (name changed on request), who lives with his Labrador in Oud Metha after having to move out of two previous homes. “Now that the market is picking up, the criteria to rent out their properties are also picking up. Suddenly, most buildings that had ‘pets allowed’ in their advertisements, no longer allow pets.

“It’s fascinating how pet shops have sprung up in every corner of the city and the municipality actually collects annual registration fees for pets, yet not a single park exists for them nor are they allowed in public places,” he adds.

One of the top petitions related to pets in Dubai calls for a dedicated dog park or a dog beach.

“Dubai keeps marketing itself as an international city and compares itself to cities such as London and New York, where pets are allowed even in public transport and shops and restaurants,” says Wick.

Aideen O’Mara, Director of Urban Tails, is behind the petition urging Dubai Municipality to open a dedicated public dog park or a public dog beach.

Speaking to Property Weekly, O’Mara says due to media interest, a number of people have signed the online petition. She has also arranged a meeting this month with the person in charge of the Dubai Municipality Veterinary Section.

Government advice

“I have received great advice and encouragement from some of the veterinary officers [at Dubai Municipality] who believe in the concept,” says O’Mara.

“It is indeed frustrating that you cannot go to the beach for a walk or a swim, knowing that your dog is not welcome. I see no reason why one section of a public beach cannot be cordoned off for dogs accompanied by their responsible owners.”

Sisters Sonya and Schoen Mathias, who have a Maltese Ken as a pet, share the same sentiment. “Outdoor play time for dogs is limited to backyards or small patches of sand in between buildings. They get to do their business and then have to be dragged home. It’s really sad,” says Sonya.

“There are no hotels, restaurants, parks or beaches that allow dogs. Signs are up that prohibit their presence. I understand the apprehension towards big dogs, but small dogs? When out at dinner, at the beach or at the park, we always have to rush to get back,” adds Schoen.

“Don’t punish us just because we love animals.”

The most important element that needs to be changed in the UAE is the attitude towards animals and pets, says Wick.

“The government needs to teach people to respect other life forms and the best form of teaching is to lead by example.”