Is it legal to breed dogs in UAE? Find Out Here

The four main dog breeds listed by MoCCAE

The updated list prohibits the possession and circulation of these dogs for individuals and commercial establishments.

• Pit Bull: Staffordshire terrier, American Pit Bull, American Bully Pit Bull

• Mastiff: Brazilian, Argentine, Tibetan, South African, Italian, Indian, Bullmastiff

• Japanese Tosa dogs

• Perro de Presa Canario (the Spanish breed of Mastiff)

The law does not completely ban the possessions of these dog breeds because there are exceptions that permit the ownership of Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, and Japanese Tosa dogs.

As per the MoCCAE tweet, the amendment allowed the acquisition of these breeds if they are:

As per the social media post by MoCCAE, you would need to fulfil the following requirements to apply for an exemption:

• Provide a document from the training centre stating that the dog has been trained for one of the purposes listed as the main condition of the exception.

• Providing a medical report on the owners health status to support the purpose of using the dog, and an undertaking from the owner not to transfer the dogs ownership to others, abandon the dog or breed it.

Why are certain breeds of dogs banned in other countries?

All countries analyze dog breeds according to breed-specific legislation (BSL), and dog breeds that fall into the category of “Dangerous dog breeds”, are banned or restricted in that country

5 Common Reasons for Breed-Specific Legislations (BSL)

There are a number of reasons why some countries feel they must ban a specific dog breed.

  • Dog Bite Statistics Report: The dog breed, which are considered aggressive and most damaging bites.
  • Tendency Toward Aggression: Breeds that have a tendency to attack people/other dogs or those that can be a risk to public safety.
  • Used for Illegal Activities: Some excellent breeds are unfortunately used for illegal activities like dogfighting and are, therefore, banned.
  • Rare or Unrecognized Breeds or Wolf Hybrid Dogs: In many countries, cross breeds or mutts are banned because people believe they have unpredictable behavior. If a certain breed is banned, mixing it with a legal breed will also make the mixed dog illegal.
  • Poor History: Dogs that have poor health or behavior records are banned. In specific countries with extreme weather, specific dogs that will not do well in the climate will not be allowed to live there.
  • The list of dogs that are not welcomed in UAE

    Tough laws on owning, selling and breeding animals were passed by the Federal National Council (FNC) on Wednesday, including on rights to own dogs as pets across the UAE. During the FNC meeting held in the Capitals headquarters, members highlighted that the passing of the draft law includes critical information for those who own or wish to own dogs. A fine of Dh10,000 to Dh200,000 will be given to those who own a dog without a licence from the authority concerned. Residents who import, sell, exchange, borrow or deal with wild dogs, considered dangerous, will also be fined. Furthermore, possessing a dog without having it vaccinated could also result in the same fine. The law also outlines the fines and sentences regarding owning wild animals, which have been a heated topic in the Gulf recently. Earlier in March, a tiger was spotted roaming the streets of Doha, which gained worldwide attention, as it put both the residents, as well as the animal in danger. Although the practice is illegal, it is not uncommon for residents to keep wild animals as pets in parts of the GCC. Thus the passing of the draft law by the FNC aims to end this practice. Fines of Dh10,000 to Dh500,000 will be given to those who commit one of the following: * Owning, dealing or breeding wild animals without a licence. * Roam around with the animal outside the licenced facility. * Transfers the animal from one place within the country to another, without prior approval from the ministry concerned. One could even face a prison sentence for a minimum of three years for using wild animals to attack a human, especially if the attack results in permanent disability, or an injury, and a life sentence will be handed if the attack causes death. A jail sentence of up to a year and fines ranging between Dh10,000 and Dh400,000 will also be given if the attack does not cause injury or death. However, if the animal attacks another human unintentionally, then the owner will be convicted and charged with manslaughter. Nonetheless, in all cases, the authorities will confiscate the animal. Furthermore, a fine of Dh100,000 to Dh700,000 will be given to those who use wild animals to spread fear among people, and a fine of Dh50,000 to Dh500,000 for those possessing wild animals for dealing or for commercial purposes. Salem Ali Al Shehhi, Ras Al Khaimah member, told Khaleej Times that the passing of the draft law is critical and covers various reasons. “It is about protecting humans from animals considered wild or dangerous, protecting the animal, as well as putting a stop to the societal habit of owning wild animals as pets.” “The owner must take full responsibility of the animal, the responsibility is in his hands and he must not put others in danger. Many owners act in a reckless manner, and this is wrong.” “If the wild animal or even the dog attacks another human, then the owner will be held accountable, not the animal. We thus need to insure that all pet owners are competent,” noted Al Shehhi. Members of the FNC have passed the draft law, however once the law itself becomes enforced, residents across the UAE will have up to 30 days to register their pets, to ensure the safety of the community, as well as the animals wellbeing. [email protected]

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