The basic animal welfare law (Mandatory Pet Laws in UAE) in the United Arab Emirates is Federal Law No. 16 of 2007. In 2016, this law was significantly updated with a focus on public safety. Additionally, each emirate in the UAE has specific rules that fit its social context. For instance, dogs are not permitted in areas like Marina Walk, JBR, the Palm, and Dubai Marina.
Key Points: Mandatory Pet Laws in UAE
Licensing and Vaccinations: It’s essential to get a license for pet dogs. Dogs need vaccinations against diseases like distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies. Cats require vaccinations for diseases like calicivirus, panleukopenia, rabies, and rhinotracheitis.
Owner’s Responsibilities: Pet owners are mandated to provide proper shelter, nutrition, and veterinary care to their animals. They must also maintain detailed records of their pets’ lineage, health, and daily routines.
Prohibition of Cruel Practices: Acts of cruelty, such as inadequate nutrition, shelter, or overworking animals, are punishable. The law also bans inhumane slaughter methods and the use of animals in harmful entertainment or fights.
Regulation of Animal Handling: The use of electroshock devices and sharp tools in animal handling is prohibited. Standards for barns, cages, and stables are outlined to ensure safe and hygienic conditions.
Transportation Guidelines: Specific regulations govern the loading, transporting, and unloading of animals, including mandatory transport permits.
Building Restrictions: Some buildings have restrictions on keeping pets. You must get permission from the property owner if you want to keep a pet in such buildings.
Exotic Pets: Keeping exotic pets is strictly forbidden in the UAE, except for approved facilities like zoos and research centers. Taking exotic pets outside or using them to threaten people can lead to heavy fines and even jail time. The public is encouraged to report any sightings of wild animals kept as pets.
Penalties for Mistreatment: Harsh penalties are in place for anyone mistreating animals, including hunting, buying, or selling them illegally. This includes substantial fines.
Pet Registration and Care: Dogs and cats must be microchipped, vaccinated, and registered with the municipality’s veterinary services. Pets should always be clean and, in the case of dogs, kept on a leash in public. Dogs are not allowed in public parks or on public transport (except service animals). It’s advised to keep pets in independent homes.
Fines for Non-Compliance: Fines range from 10,000 AED to 500,000 AED for various offenses, such as owning an unlicensed dog, walking dogs without a leash, or possessing dangerous animals. In severe cases, such as using an animal to attack people, the penalties can include life imprisonment.
Important Fines and Punishments:
- Owning a dog without a license: Fine of Dh10,000 to Dh200,000.
- Walking dogs without a leash in public: Fine of Dh5,000.
- Taking an exotic animal out in public: Fine of Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 and/or up to six months in jail.
- Possession of dangerous animals for trading: Fine between Dh50,000 and Dh500,000 and/or jail term.
- Using an animal to attack a person resulting in death: Life imprisonment.
- Using an animal to attack a person causing physical disability: Jail term of 3-7 years.
- Using an animal to attack a person causing minor injuries: Jail term of up to a year and a fine of Dh400,000.
- Using animals to terrorize people: Jail term and/or a fine between Dh100,000 and Dh700,000.
- Abandoning pets: Fine of up to Dh10,000.
- Selling pets to persons under 18: A fine of Dh3,000.
- Advertising illegal sale of dangerous pets and exotic animals: Jail sentence and a fine between Dh50,000 and Dh500,000.
Animal welfare laws and regulations / Mandatory Pet Laws in the UAE and its various Emirates are very strict. Not all of them are fully explained here. This article only sheds light on the basic aspects. If you are taking care of an animal or bird, or wish to do so, we recommend that you please contact the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment office.
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