Abu Dhabi authorities launch pet shop crackdown

Inspectors remind stores and pet owners of their animal welfare obligations

Abu Dhabi Municipality inspectors conduct inspection visits to pet shops around the emirate. Abu Dhabi Municipality. 
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Abu Dhabi authorities have made unannounced visits to pet shops in the emirates in an effort to crack down on poor standards.

Inspectors said the campaign was chiefly aimed at reminding stores of their animal welfare obligations.

Officials said any business caught selling protected species could face a fine of up to Dh10,000.

Meanwhile, knowingly selling a sick animal could result in a Dh3,000 penalty and abandoning unsold pets on the street could cost Dh2,000.

Dr Saeed Al Rumaithi, head of public safety at Abu Dhabi municipality, said pet owners also needed to be aware of their duty of care.

“The municipality is always keen on raising awareness among the public on the regulations of owning a pet,” he said.

“Our campaign focused on explaining to pet shops and owners the importance of protecting their animals.”

Abu Dhabi Municipality introduced a raft of new measures around pet ownership and healthcare in 2018.

Regulations stated that all animals - bar cats and dogs - kept in the home required a permit and that owners found without one could be fined Dh5,000.

The new laws also made it mandatory for every pet shop to ensure its animals were given regular medical check-ups by a vet.

Dog owners were also instructed to keep their dogs on a leash when in public spaces and that pets were banned from shopping malls and restaurants.

On Monday, Abu Dhabi inspectors said pet shop owners who failed to meet required hygiene standards would face a Dh1,000 fine.

They said premises which sold animals to anyone under the age of 18, unless accompanied by an adult, could also have to pay a penalty of Dh3,000.