Dh10,000 fine for selling 'dangerous' animals, abandoning pets in UAE

Residents caught selling or dealing in animals that pose danger to people's safety or those abandoning pets in Abu Dhabi will face fines of up to Dh10,000, warned authorities. The Abu Dhabi Municipality on Wednesday (March 20) said that it has started implementing regulations on control, supervision and care for pets - through Veterinary Control Section at the Public Health Department - in compliance with the decision No. 4 of 2018, issued last year by the head of Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities. The decision is in line with the executive regulations on animal control of 2012. The civic body said that the new regulations also prohibit the sale of pets to persons under the age of 18 and anyone found doing so will be fined Dh3,000. Other offences that carry penalties include the sale of animals without a permit and selling the ones that are sick. In a statement, the municipality said that the regulations ban pets in public places such as enclosed parks, beaches, shopping malls and closed facilities. However, the law allows moving with animals in other open places like runways adjacent to public facilities. According to the municipality, the decision was intended to regulate the sale and possession of pets, ornamental birds and other animals by individuals or establishments. This is aimed at protecting people from all forms of inconveniences or threats caused due to movement of animals in public places. The municipality has stressed the need to obtain licences and medical certificates before selling their pets and warned that it is illegal to sell or purchase an animal without obtaining the necessary permit or getting approval from the competent authorities. The municipality is currently establishing an animal registration programme and has called on all pet owners to take good care of their animals, so residents in their neighbourhoods are not disturbed. Source: Khaleej Times