Spot a Stray Cat and Get a Reward

In a bid to control the increasing number of these cats, the civic body is all set to start a campaign which will see people getting rewards for providing information on them.

Hisham Fahmi, the head of the Veterinary Section at the civic body, said there have been incidents of these cats attacking people. He said people should not feed cats and keep garbage bags sealed.

The official added that seven teams have been formed which will catch these cats which would then be sterilised and vaccinated.

Cat-bite can cause serious and contagious diseases like rabies and toxoplasma. “Stray cats are one of the main reasons for the spread of dirt and filth. Moreover, they also tend to spread serious diseases as well as spoil the general appearance of the city,” the official said. “The civic body has been in the process of controlling the stray cat population, but we need the cooperation of the people. People spotting a cat in their locality can call the municipality toll free (800-900) and a surprise gift awaits them.”

The official said people should refrain from feeding cats on streets.

“Though we carry on with our regular checks and also put up cages at several places to catch them, things don’t improve as there are many who feed these cats,” he added.

“As a result, they don’t get into the cages. Also, garbage cans should have proper lids,” he added.

In areas like Bur Dubai and Deira people tend to feed them regularly. Fahmi said the menace is widespread in the labour accommodation areas.

— joy@khaleejtimes.com