Despite crackdown, wild animals flock Abu Dhabi vet clinics

A veterinary doctor at the clinic said owners of dangerous pets do visit them often but their frequency has dropped recently.

It is not just meows and barks that vets in Abu Dhabi have to deal with. Despite authorities tightening the noose around pet ownership in the country, wild and dangerous pets are still in circulation and are brought in to clinics for check ups, Khaleej Times has learned.

Last week, the Australian Veterinary Hospital had two lion cubs as visitors. The staff said two Emirati men brought them in a pet carrier box and even left them open to run around in the reception.

"I was at the clinic to show my cat to the vet. Initially I thought they were puppies. But a closer look and my jaws literally dropped," said a Western expat who was at the clinic.

"They looked cute. But I cannot imagine what havoc they can wreck when they grow up in a few years," said the resident.

A veterinary doctor at the clinic said owners of dangerous pets do visit them often but their frequency has dropped recently.

"We used to see cheetahs, lions and snakes in our clinic. As doctors, if they want medical attention, we do provide the service," said the vet who requested anonymity.

The UAE government has imposed restrictions on pet ownership with the passing of the Law of Regulation of Ownership of Dangerous Animals early this month. As per the law, anyone who takes a leopard, cheetah or any other kind of exotic animal out in public will face a jail term of up to six month and a fine ranging between Dh10,000 and Dh500,000.

The government has also given owners six months time to surrender exotic and wild pets to authorities. Those who fail to do so will face a fine of at least Dh10,000, but not more than Dh100,000. Only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, breeding and research centres are entitled to keep dangerous, wild or exotic animals.

However, vets say many exotic pet owners are either unaware or unsure about the new rules.

Joy Miranda Paita, vet at Canadian Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi said owners of lions, cheetahs and snakes do visit her for consultations.

"It was recently that I had to see a small python. The owner was worried it was not eating well," said Paita.

The vet had also treated cub lions and cheetahs in the past.

"A cub was brought to me because one of its tooth was shaking and the animal was in pain," said Paita.

According to her, vets like her try to educate pet owners and encourage them to surrender the animals before the deadline.

Dr. Faisal Shaheen of New Veterinary Clinic said awareness building is important to encourage pet owners to abide b the rules.

"There seems to be confusion on how and where to surrender pets. Many pet owners I know are waiting for clarification on the law to take appropriate action," said Shaheen.

anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi