Dog owners of hazardous breeds call on the UAE government to review the prohibition on their ownership.
Dubai, UAE. Owners of dogs of dangerous breeds that are banned in the UAE are turning to the government to soften the new rules.
According to the law adopted in 2016, dogs of fighting breeds (and even large ones) were blacklisted, along with tigers, lions and hyenas - they were forbidden to keep them in households. Until July 1 of this year, all dog owners must register them without fail, and what will happen next is not known.
The new rules have not yet been announced, but the owners of the Rottweilers, Dobermans and boxers are already forced to consider the possibility of sending them home (if it comes to expats), which will cost about 25 thousand dirhams (US $ 6.8 thousand).
Alazi Al Hattal, the owner of a two-year-old Rottweiler named Daria, believes oppression is unfair. "My dog is already registered. I bought it from a local breeder and now I am very worried about her fate. I believe that such a law is not needed - it does not solve problems," Al Khattal said.
Under the new rules, those who hold dangerous animals face a prison term of three to seven years if their animal injures another person; if the attack results in the death of the victim, the owner will be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Other penalties include fines of 10 to 400 thousand dirhams and confiscation of animals. The law prohibits keeping, buying and selling, raising dangerous animals. Currently, their registry is being formed. All owners residing in Dubai must register them with the Veterinary Services Department of the Dubai Municipality by July 1 by calling 042891114.
Currently, the Ministry of Climate Control and Environmental Protection is preparing a by-law that will explain to the owners of dangerous dogs to do with them further. Rashid Al Gate, the owner of Vince's Rottweiler, also considers the circumstances unfair: “My dog lives with me from a young age and has never been aggressive. She is officially registered. I was shocked to hear about the upcoming changes. For me, this ban is like throwing away family member. "
