Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 protects the rights of animals in the UAE.
According to chapter 3, article 4 of the law, the owner of an animal is considered to have done an act of cruelty if he isolates or detains the animal without providing it with sufficient food, water, and good ventilation, or if the animal is unhealthy.
Abandoning an animal or leaving it without care for a long and unspecified period, unless he had an acceptable reason or is permitted by the competent authority, is also considered an act of cruelty.
Chapter 10, article 17 outlines restricted acts, which cause violators to face penalties. Among them, exposing the animal to negligence, cruelty or malnourishment is punishable by law.
Mistreatment of animals can result in a one year imprisonment and a Dh20,000 fine.
