Dog without a licence? Get set to pay a fine

Abu Dhabi - A fine of Dh10,000 to Dh200,000 to be given to those who own a dog without a licence

Tough laws on owning, selling and breeding animals were passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) on Wednesday, including on rights to own dogs as pets across the UAE.
During the FNC meeting held in the Capital's headquarters, members highlighted that the passing of the draft law includes critical information for those who own or wish to own dogs.
A fine of Dh10,000 to Dh200,000 will be given to those who own a dog without a licence from the authority concerned.
Residents who import, sell, exchange, borrow or deal with wild dogs, considered dangerous, will also be fined. Furthermore, possessing a dog without having it vaccinated could also result in the same fine.
The law also outlines the fines and sentences regarding owning wild animals, which have been a heated topic in the Gulf recently.
Earlier in March, a tiger was spotted roaming the streets of Doha, which gained worldwide attention, as it put both the residents, as well as the animal in danger.
Although the practice is illegal, it is not uncommon for residents to keep wild animals as pets in parts of the GCC. Thus the passing of the draft law by the FNC aims to end this practice.
Fines of Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 will be given to those who commit one of the following:
* Owning, dealing or breeding wild animals without a licence.
* Roam around with the animal outside the licenced facility.
* Transfers the animal from one place within the country to another, without prior approval from the ministry concerned.
One could even face a prison sentence for a minimum of three years for using wild animals to attack a human, especially if the attack results in permanent disability, or an injury, and a life sentence will be handed if the attack causes death.
A jail sentence of up to a year and fines ranging between Dh10,000 and Dh400,000 will also be given if the attack does not cause injury or death.
However, if the animal attacks another human unintentionally, then the owner will be convicted and charged with manslaughter. Nonetheless, in all cases, the authorities will confiscate the animal.
Furthermore, a fine of Dh100,000 to Dh700,000 will be given to those who use wild animals to spread fear among people, and a fine of Dh50,000 to Dh500,000 for those possessing wild animals for dealing or for commercial purposes.
Salem Ali Al Shehhi, Ras Al Khaimah member, told Khaleej Times that the passing of the draft law is critical and covers various reasons.
"It is about protecting humans from animals considered wild or dangerous, protecting the animal, as well as putting a stop to the societal habit of owning wild animals as pets."
"The owner must take full responsibility of the animal, the responsibility is in his hands and he must not put others in danger. Many owners act in a reckless manner, and this is wrong."
"If the wild animal or even the dog attacks another human, then the owner will be held accountable, not the animal. We thus need to insure that all pet owners are competent," noted Al Shehhi.
Members of the FNC have passed the draft law, however once the law itself becomes enforced, residents across the UAE will have up to 30 days to register their pets, to ensure the safety of the community, as well as the animal's wellbeing.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
 

• UAE