New guidelines for pet shops

Dubai Municipality will soon introduce certain specifications for pet shops in Dubai that will include the appropriate size and designs for them.

This was revealed by Sami Gargash, Head of the Veterinary Services Section at the Public Health Department of Dubai Municipality, who said these specifications were aimed at ensuring a hygienic environment for animals, birds and ornamental fish being sold.

He said the section had recently conducted a meeting with representatives of local pet shops, health officers, veterinary inspectors, and representatives of Feline and K-9 Friends associations to discuss the measures that could be introduced to upgrade hygiene in these shops.

Gargash said the meeting, chaired by Eng. Hashim Al Awadhi, came about through the municipality's keenness in preserving animal health and preventing the spread of common diseases.

"Discussions during the meeting focused on the municipality's proposal for laying down specifications for shops that sell pets, birds and ornamental fish. The participants expressed their opinions on what such specifications should be. We will take into consideration their views before finalising the draft proposal," he said.

He added that the next meeting would be held in mid-June to reach an acceptable draft of specifications for pet shops in line with prevailing public health rules in Dubai.