Several reports of animal abuse and illegal puppy sales in Damac Hills 2 in UAE (Dubai) have resulted in tenants being evicted as officials crack down on illicit pet traders.
The Ministry of Climate Chane in Dubai and the Environment’s biosecure hotline have got many reports about villas doubted to being used to sell animals illegally.
Though breeding pets is not illegal, there are strict measures regarding illegal commercial breeding and trading of animals.
Within 24 hours of receiving the reports, the municipality immediately addressed the issue, and the tenant had emptied the villa.
Within 24 hours of it being reported, the municipality had addressed the issue, and the tenants were removed, said Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Damac.
The UAE has strict laws and measures regarding animal welfare and provides a proper framework to regulate pet animals’ sale, use, and exhibition.
Anyone who wants to breed animals for the purpose of sale must acquire a valid licence in line with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
If someone is operating without a licence, he can be fined between Dh10,000 to Dh700,000, seizure of animals, and imprisonment in some cases.
The animal welfare law in the UAE needs dog owners to get a licence and vaccinations for pets from local authorities within just six months of adoption.
It also needs imported animals to be documented and has official certificates issued by the authorities within 30 days of working.
Citizens in Damac Hill 2 said that these laws were not followed and called on community management and Dubai Municipality to take strict action.
“It is evident and obvious what is happening, and the whole street is against it,” said Scott Anderson, a community resident. He made many reports to the ministry’s bio-security early notification system.
“There have been numerous complaints made to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dubai Municipality, and the Luxury Owner Association Management Services of Damac Properties, but it continues.”
“A breeder was locked down in a house storing dogs – so some action has been taken – but it has not prevented others.”
“There is an abundance of proof to prove what is happening.”
Civilians said that they had seen many different dogs regularly arriving and leaving on the same day from the same properties, and this has been continuing for quite some time now. They said that animal welfare is one of their biggest concerns.
“We are seeing different dogs at this mansion regularly, sometimes huskies, spaniels and many other breeds,” said Edgar Susterovas, who lives nearby.
“Some dogs are tied up very tightly outdoors, and it is hot, with no shadow.”
Damac said incidents were acted on as soon as they were reported and that one tenant had recently been ousted.
“Residents are permitted to keep domestic animals as long as they stick to the strict community guidelines concerning pet ownership,” said Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications at Damac.