Dubai: If you are relocating to the UAE or are planning to import a dog, it is important to be cautious about the breeds allowed. On Monday, November 22, the Ministry Of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) announced through their social media channels, the prohibition of four types of dog breeds.
MoCCAE issued the ministerial decision to amend Annex No.2 of Federal Law No.22 of 2016. This law regulates the possession, trade, circulation and breeding of predatory, dangerous and semi-dangerous animals. Federal law No.22 oversees the protection of humans and animals from pathogens and diseases transmitted by dangerous species, and ensures animal welfare.
The four main dog breeds listed by MoCCAE
The updated list prohibits the possession and circulation of these dogs for individuals and commercial establishments.
• Pit Bull: Staffordshire terrier, American Pit Bull, American Bully Pit Bull
• Mastiff: Brazilian, Argentine, Tibetan, South African, Italian, Indian, Bullmastiff
• Japanese Tosa dogs
• Perro de Presa Canario (the Spanish breed of Mastiff)
The law does not completely ban the possessions of these dog breeds because there are exceptions that permit the ownership of Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, and Japanese Tosa dogs.
What are the exceptions?
As per the MoCCAE tweet, the amendment allowed the acquisition of these breeds if they are:
1. Service animals
2. Emotional support animals
3. For other medical purposes.
As per the social media post by MoCCAE, you would need to fulfil the following requirements to apply for an exemption:
• Provide a document from the training centre stating that the dog has been trained for one of the purposes listed as the main condition of the exception.
• Providing a medical report on the owner's health status to support the purpose of using the dog, and an undertaking from the owner not to transfer the dog's ownership to others, abandon the dog or breed it.
Fines for owning a banned breed
Importing and breeding these dogs is banned. According to the UAE’s official government portal – u.ae - the fine for failing to comply with the Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 would range from Dh10,000 to Dh700,000. It may also lead to a jail term and the confiscation of the animal.
