Dh5,000 fine, safety concerns: Why pet owners shouldn't walk dogs without a leash in public

My family and I recently moved to a lovely community in Abu Dhabi. It’s family- and pet-friendly with beach access, multiple pools, lots of green areas and, yes, lots of dogs! We knew the community had a big dog population before moving in a few weeks ago; in fact, the pooch count is well over 100 in a community made up of 6 precincts and 34 villas. Let’s put it this way: every time you go out for a walk, you are bound to encounter several pets on a walk with their owners or sitters. We’ve seen various breeds, mainly small and medium-sized popular pets such as German Shepherds, Chihuahuas and Bichon Frisés.

Thankfully, I haven’t had a negative engagement so far, but there are a few residents who wrote about their negative encounters on the community’s private Facebook page which drew concerns from others — including from me, as a parent to young children. The issues have mainly to do with the unfortunate lack of consideration and attention shown by some pet owners and handlers.

In a perfect world, all people would be responsible for their children and pets at all times, but since it is not, I would hope articles like this, and perhaps awareness campaigns on such subjects affecting communities, could make a difference.

One of the main concerns is the failure of some handlers to keep dogs on a leash. There have been reports of canines roaming around freely and approaching other animals and people, including children. The thing is, dogs will be dogs, and loose dogs can be very stressful for other pet owners whose animals are afraid or threatened by other dogs, parents of small children, and even those who don’t particularly feel comfortable being approached by animals. Unleashed dogs can pose a serious threat and be intimidating to others, and even if an owner is sure (as, of course, they all are) that they have a friendly pet, animals react differently around each other and are unpredictable — especially around small children. It is also a legal requirement in this country to keep dogs on a leash at all times when in public. Walking your dog without a leash in public places in Abu Dhabi carries a fine of Dh5,000.

This is not an ‘anti-dog’ story. I like dogs. I appreciate the value they can add to people’s lives and understand the sensitivity surrounding this topic as most ‘pet parents’ are fiercely protective of their pets, but I, as well as others, am also fiercely protective of my human children and cannot bear the thought of them getting bitten or attacked by a dog that has not been trained or handled properly.

Another issue that I have noticed myself is the attitude of some dog walkers. Unfortunately, we have come across some with no awareness or consideration for those they encounter while walking their charges: allowing the dog to get too close to others, or, at the opposite end of the spectrum, overreacting to and mistreating their pet, and, even worse, seemingly lacking any command of and control over the animal. These are always dog-sitters/nannies. It’s important for dog owners to be mindful of these issues for the safety of people and other pets; they also need to provide adequate training to their pets and ensure that any household members handling them are equipped to understand the needs of the animal and the public.

Love your dogs, care for them, feed them, hug them… take them to the vet when they are not well, enjoy their company… but please pick up the poo!