DUBAI // Pet owners would like to see dedicated areas in public parks or beaches where they can walk their dogs.
As Dubai’s rapid urbanisation continues, dog owners have said it is becoming increasingly difficult to get in their daily walkies, with some owners even moving to villas or pet-friendly communities to address the issue.
Donya Almously, from Saudi Arabia, has two dachshunds and said there needs to be more areas where dog owners can exercise their pets.
“We’ve had the dogs for about five years and used to live in The Greens, which was a really dog-friendly area,” she said.
She moved to Business Bay two years ago but said it was much more difficult to walk her pets there.
“There is a lot of construction work going on around my building so I have to have a careful eye on them when they are walking around,” said Ms Almously.
“There is an area in South Ridge Park where Emaar allows dog owners to take their dogs, but it’s not very big.
“Dogs need exercise and to be able to socialise with other dogs, but because there are so few places to take them it’s pretty common to see dozens of dogs at these areas so it gets intense.”
Ms Almously would like to see an area in a public park or part of an open beach for dog owners to take their pets.
“I think even if it was a case that people would have to pay for entry then that would be good,” said Ms Almously, a mother of a 10-month-old daughter.
Although there are indoor venues that cater for dogs, the expense can be too much for regular visits, she said.
Her concerns were echoed by other dog owners.
“We have lived in Downtown for a couple of years and although there is a small park where dogs are allowed, it’s frowned upon if you walk them on the pavement,” said Claire Smith, from the UK.
“We are paying Dh155,000 for a two-bed here, but because there is nowhere for my dog we’re now moving to a villa in Arabian Ranches,” she said.
“We’re going to be paying significantly more for rent but it’s got to the stage were we need more space for our dog.
“At least with a villa we will have a garden, but it’s frustrating that there are so few areas to take dogs.”
Sara Elliott, lead surgeon at the British Veterinary Hospital in Dubai, said regular exercise was vital for the mental and physical well-being of dogs. “Sitting in an apartment for 23 hours a day can have a damaging impact on a dog’s mental health,” she said.
“Allowing them to be outside and get exercise not only improves their physical health but they get used to being around other dogs and people.”
A lack of socialisation can lead to dogs becoming aggressive towards people and other dogs, she added.
In Australia some beaches, based on the time of year, are reserved for dogs. Ms Elliott would like it if that, or a similar system, could be introduced in Dubai.
Mohammed Al Fardan, head of public parks at Dubai Municipality, said parks in the city did not have the facilities to allow dogs.
“I am a dog owner myself,” he said.
“Although the facilities are not currently there, we also have to be aware and respectful of the Muslim culture of the UAE and the attitude towards dogs in public.”
“Having said that,” said Mr Al Fardan, dog parks “is an issue that is being looked at by Dubai Municipality”.
nhanif@thenational.ae
