Respecting animals you do not own

Stray cats, birds and desert wildlife share the UAE with us. Kindness means helping in ways that genuinely work, not just in ways that feel good in the moment, and knowing how to report cruelty.

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Stray cats and dogs

• Dubai Municipality runs a trap, neuter, return programme (and in some cases trap, neuter, vaccinate, return): animals are neutered and vaccinated, then released where they were found if they pose no risk.
• In 2026 Dubai Municipality began piloting 'Ehsan Stations', smart feeding stations in parks, partly to reduce random feeding that can affect public spaces and health.
• Dubai Municipality asks residents to report risks or concerns about stray animals by calling 800900.
• If you want to help, support recognised welfare groups or municipality programmes rather than leaving food piles that attract pests.

Feeding: what helps and what harms

• Many human foods can poison animals: PDSA warns about chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and xylitol.
• Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has told desert visitors: do not feed any animals, and take all rubbish home.
• Some communities fine people for feeding birds: in 2022 a community management company reminded residents of some Dubai communities of a possible Dh200 fine, saying feeding can lead to parasites that spread disease and that droppings are a health risk.
• Follow the rules of your community and municipality, and never feed wild animals by hand.

Wildlife and the desert

• Watch wildlife from a distance and never try to take wild animals home as pets. The UAE Government portal says only licensed facilities may keep wild or exotic animals.
• Leave no litter: plastic and food waste can harm animals that eat or get tangled in it.
• For more on respecting UAE nature, see the 'Leave No Trace' lesson in The Great Outdoors module.
• If you find an injured wild animal, keep a safe distance and contact your municipality or a vet for advice rather than handling it.

Recognising and reporting cruelty

• Federal Law No. 16 of 2007, as summarised by Gulf News, requires animals to be treated humanely and protected from unnecessary suffering.
• The UAE Government portal says abuse can be reported to the police or to the municipality of the emirate.
• Note the date, time, place and what you saw. Do not confront anyone or put yourself at risk.
• Do not share cruelty videos widely; pass evidence to the authorities instead.
• If an animal is in immediate danger, call the police (999 in the UAE).

Everyday kindness

• Teach younger children to ask before stroking any animal, and never to pull tails or chase cats.
• Drive and cycle carefully in areas where cats roam, especially at night.
• Offer to help a neighbour with pet care when they travel, rather than leaving animals alone.
• Volunteer or donate to a recognised welfare group: it is a meaningful way to care for animals even if your family cannot keep a pet.