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Roaming animals a big threat to safety of motorists

RAS Al KHAIMAH — The Ras Al Khaimah Police have warned of strict action against people who allow their animals to roam the streets, which is a major cause of road accidents in the emirate.

The move follows an incident on Wednesday morning in which a 20-year-old national suffered serious injuries after his car hit a herd of camels that came on to Al Kharran Street in Ras Al Khaimah.

Major Ahmad Al Shomaili, head of the Traffic Section in Al Digdaga Police Station, said, ‘One of the camels died after being hit and landed on the vehicle's roof. The driver suffered serious injuries and was admitted to the hospital,’ he said. According to Al Shomaili, stray animals, especially camels, are a major cause of accidents in the emirate especially at night.

‘It is very risky for the motorists because many do not expect animals to be straying on to the roads,’ he said.

The officer stressed that about 50 road accidents caused by stray animals had been reported in Ras Al Khaimah since the beginning of 2008.

The Traffic Police is cooperating with RAK Municipality and very soon they would begin seizing animals that roam the streets. Heavy penalties, including fines, would also be imposed on their owners, he added.

A senior official of RAK Municipality said the municipality had earlier banned the presence of stray animals on the streets and near commercial or residential buildings because they not only made the areas dirty but also posed a risk to motorists.

He pointed out that animals must be kept indoors at all times and only in the designated areas.

Johnny Nicholas, a senior official in the Department of Public Works and Services in Ras Al Khaimah, said many complaints are being received from the residents about the increasing number of stray animals on the streets.

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