DM bans 16 breeds of dogs in residential areas

As part of its responsibilities in preserving public health and safety and in order to protect the public from animal related diseases, the Public Health Department of Dubai Municipality has issued an order prohibiting the presence of 16 breeds of dogs in residential areas, public places, markets and shopping centres as they pose a threat to the society. The ban will take effect from Jan.1, 2008.

The banned breeds include American pit bull terrier, American bull dog, American Staffordshire terrier, Argentinean mastiff, Bull terrier, Canary dog fila brasilerio/Brazilian mastiff, Miniature bull terrier, Neapolian mastiff, Old English bull dog, Perro de presa mallorquin/Bull dog, Shar pei, Staffordshire bull terrier, Tosa, Husky, Rottweiler and Doberman.

The Municipality requested all pet owners to keep their dogs on a leash in public streets and beaches and not to walk with them there without masks. The civic body warned that pet owners shall be responsible for any damage resulted from their non-compliance with the instructions mentioned in the Local Order No. 11 of 2003 regarding this issue.

The order further stated that Dubai Municipality will confiscate any dogs mentioned in the list after the lapse of a grace period and any other dog that causes harm and poses a threat to people, animals and properties. The pet owners will be dealt in the appropriate way as per the rules and regulations of the municipality.