Dubai: A draft law has sparked a discussion on social media among pet owners, who while agreeing that dogs should be on a leash in public areas, say they are frustrated with the lack of pet-friendly parks and public areas that allow the presence of their pets.
The draft law, passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) last week, includes a hefty fine and jail time for dog owners who do not keep their dogs on a leash while in public. The law, which would also stop individuals from owning wild and other domesticated but dangerous animals, states that all dogs are required to be restrained by a collar and leash when on public property. A leash (also called a lead, lead line or tether) is a rope or similar material attached to the neck or head of an animal for restraint or control. Those who fail to control their dogs in public places with a lead may face a jail term of not less than a month and not more than six months and/or fines ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000.
Expatriates are complaining about the absence of a dog park in Dubai, where pets can run freely unleashed. One resident, Andrea Nita, 29, from Romania said the perceived strict laws on dogs are a result of the lack of pet culture here. “Some people don’t know how to treat a dog or interact with one. Whenever I or my husband take out three rescue dogs for a walk, people tend to be scared even though our dogs are well-behaved and on a leash,” she said.
Pointing out there is no dog park available in the UAE, Nita explained that it is essential for dogs to exercise in order to stay healthy. “They should be taken out at least once or twice per day depending on how each dog is managing to control his/her bladder. We take our dogs out twice a day, and we tend to go for a walk of 2km between 8pm and 1am while the morning walk (between 5am and 7am) is just 10-15 minutes,” said Nita.
Referring to the FNC draft law, Nita said it is understandable that dogs are expected to be on leash in public areas as some people are scared of them, but in most public areas in Dubai, dogs are not allowed at all.
“Rules are strict because of the irresponsible owners who do not control their dogs,” she said, adding that while high fines should only apply in special cases, responsible dog owners should have access to pet-friendly parks, and beaches.
Lack of pet education
Also wishing the country was more pet friendly, Portuguese Carina Vaz Pinto, 39, owner of multiple dogs, said she often struggles to find a place where her dog can run free, as Dubai does not offer a pet-friendly park.
“Unfortunately, the UAE is still far from being educated in regards to dog ownership as well as understanding and respecting dogs as living creatures with specific needs,” said Vaz Pinto. She pointed out that dogs should be kept on a leash when walking on public property, as “it is a matter of respect for other people, and better for the dog’s own safety”.
However, the dog lover said she is unhappy with the lack of alternatives available to let dogs off their leash in spots like public parks, dog-friendly beaches or desert areas. “There is (a) lack of education about dogs. I would love to see government support not only to start educational programmes for kids and adults about dog ownership and dog culture, but to provide options that allow dog owners to offer their dogs a better life quality,” said Vaz Pinto.
Another Dubai resident, Dora Tokai, 32, from Hungary, said the draft laws’ introduction of a licence that is reinforced by jail time and fines may result in more people abandoning their dogs, making the current situation worse.
“There are dogs that can be controlled without a leash and are no threat to anyone, not to mention that not all dog owners are aware of the law. It would be rather useful to educate people and start with a warning instead of jail time,” she said.
Tokai, who has rescued and fostered dogs for over three years in the UAE, pointed out that people’s approach towards dogs is divided.
“There is a pet culture that is evolving fast, but also an ongoing debate among Muslims about restrictions regarding dogs,” she added.
Just like many other dog owners, Tokai is hoping to see change in the UAE. “I’d love to see the government stepping in by educating people instead of punishing them. The UAE is a great country leading the region in terms of progress and I have great faith that by simple rules and regulations, the situation of strays and pets can be greatly improved within a short time,” said Tokai.
