Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SR)

Abu dhabi, Jul 24: The Abu Dhabi Municipality on Tuesday, in an ongoing animal welfare awareness campaign, warned that a fine of AED 5,000 will be imposed on dog owners, if they are found walking their pet without leash in public places.

As reported in Khaleej Times, head of public safety at the Abu Dhabi Municipality, Dr Saeed Mohammed Al Rumaithi said, "The campaign is intended to remind pet owners and dealers about the law and the need to be aware of their duty to take good care of animals."

As per law, authorities can impose fines of upto Dh 10,000 on any business caught selling protected species, while anyone found selling a sick animal must pay a fine of Dh 3,000 and anyone found abandoning pets on the street, for example, is punishable by a Dh 2,000 fine, Al Rumaithi said.

According to new regulations on pet ownership and healthcare introduced by the municipality in 2018, it is mandatory to have registration certificates for the acquisition, possession and accommodation of animals. Under the law, it is illegal to keep animals, except cats and dogs in villas and apartments without a municipality permit. Residents found without a permit can be fined Dh5,000.

According to the new regulations, it is illegal to sell animals to children under the age of 18 and it is also mandatory for pet dealers to make sure that their animals are given regular vet check-ups. Pet shops found selling animals to children under the age of 18, unless they are accompanied by an adult, will be fined Dh 3,000.