From 27 August 2020 onwards feeding stray animals has been strictly prohibited in Dubai. In this endeavour, Dubai Municipality has issued a notice to all residents and visitors that feeding the stray creatures will result in legal actions against them.
A stray animal means an animal, usually domesticated and not a wild animal, for which there is no owner.
The residents in Dubai have been warned against this activity due to the community’s health, safety, and overall beauty.
Nakheel Community Management, a subsidiary of master developer Nakheel Properties, has issued a notice to its community members, stating out the Dubai Municipality rules on feeding the birds.
Feeding crows, pigeons, parrots and other birds can lead to the breeding of parasites, which ultimately can result in the spread of disease. Feeding is currently prohibited and attracts a fine of Dh200 for those who do not follow the law under the Dubai Municipality’s commitment to safeguard public health and ensure community safety, as stated by the Nakheel Community Management notice, which was sent to residents on January 19, 2022.
Nakheel Community Management manages over a dozen communities with over 300,000 residents across Dubai. It includes Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Village, Al Furjan, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Village, Dragon City, Nad Al Sheba Villas, Warsan Village, International City, Badrah, Veneto, and the upcoming Deira Islands.
Bird droppings are also a potential health risk, can spread bad odour, and affect the overall attractiveness of your community. In order to protect the health of the community and to ensure that the laws are followed at all times, the notice has requested all residents to stop feeding birds. It has also urged residents to make aware every member of their household of the regulations.
Previously in 2020, the residents in Dubai, living in the places like Emirates Hills, The Springs, The Meadows and The Lakes were notified not to leave any food out for stray animals. The notice that was issued by the Emaar, the developer, stated that breaking the rule will attract a fine of AED500 as mentioned in the Dubai Municipality guidelines.
A Circular from Dubai Municipality was also attached with the notice. The circular stated that feeding birds like crows and pigeons as well as stray animals such as cats and dogs were prohibited throughout the city.
Stray cats from nearby areas get attracted to the food strewn around which can result in ugly fights among themselves. The leftover food also attracts pests such as street animals and flying insects, which nullify various pest control efforts.
More than 300,00 residents across the city were issued the notice that was sent by the Nakheel developer, informing residents that the officials were receiving reports of the stray animals showing aggressive behaviour towards children which can be extremely unsafe for the kids.
As for stray animals, UAE has been facing a lot of problems. It has become difficult for officials to manage stray animals as there are over 100,000 cats living on the streets in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
All the visitors and residents must follow the regulations, prohibiting the act of feeding birds and stray animals, for the betterment of the community.
