Arab Emirates : Friday, 7 January 2011 (Local Time)
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has banned the entry of all breeds of dogs to public swimming beaches, pools, closed or open family parks, shopping centers and restaurants.
It has called on all owners and custodians of companion dogs and pets to adhere to public health and hygiene while hiking with their dogs and walking them through public areas, roads, gardens and sidewalks.
It has also called upon them to remove dogs’ waste, place it in tightly closed plastic bags and throw it away, with failure to do so resulting in legal questioning.
"The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City will soon roll on an awareness campaign urging owners and custodians of companion dogs to comply with the health and safety guidelines and maintain tight control of dogs,” said director of public health Khalifa Mohammed Al Rumaithi.
"The municipality will soon promulgate the rules and regulations organising the ownership and housing of pets, and enforce a compulsory immunization and numbering system of pets, including cats, through microchips system.”
The municipality will, at a later stage, designate certain areas at parks for picnicking and strolling dogs, addressing all requirements of safety and prevention of cruelty to animals.
Story and Foto from : www.arabianbusiness.com (reported by Karen Leigh)
