Dogged debate: Should canines be banned from Dubai Marina? – Culture & Society – ArabianBusiness.com

Following the recent move by Emaar to ban dogs from Dubai Marina’s walkways, we asked the city’s residents for their views on the problems Dubai is facing from both a pet-lover and loather’s point of view.

Peta Wittig, Australian, founder of Adopt-Me

“I think being a dog owner in the UAE and indeed Dubai is very tough. Between restrictions of places to go, and the constant negative publicity of those irresponsible dog owners – the responsible dog owners are left trying to stay out of people’s way – but at the same time give their dog exercise and socialisation, which is proving more and more difficult.

“I think it’s fair to say dog owners are okay for ‘no go’ zones, but there has to be allocated places where doggy people get to enjoy their four-legged friend. It’s disappointing that a few irresponsible dog owners ruin it for the rest of us. Instead of banning dogs from areas, enforcement of rules and engaging the community is the best solution for everyone to get along and enjoy Dubai’s beautiful spaces.”

Nasser Al Falasi, Emirati, founder of Dubai Dogs Society

“A lot of people have been affected emotionally by [the new Marina rules], mostly residents because that was the only place close enough for them to actually walk their dogs and socialise them with other dogs, and it was taken away from them because of a few irresponsible owners.

“One careless owner can affect the entire image of every dog owner in Dubai. It is very important for every dog owner to acknowledge that his or her careless actions can drive us backwards. It is a must that before we ask our government to create places such as dog parks, that we first gain their trust by creating an entire community of respectful and calm dogs.

“Our culture has nothing to do with dog hatred in the UAE, our religion never promoted hate for animals; in fact it enforces good morals such as being gentle to animals. I believe the dislike [of dogs] comes from the people who only encountered careless owners, who blame their dogs for everything they do and for the lack of knowledge.’

Jason Freeman, British, Dubai Marina resident

“Dogs are not being banned from the Marina – just from the busy tourist-friendly promenade area. Dog walkers move at an erratic pace and slow down fellow residents. Larger dogs can intimidate children – or even adults. And as well as being one of the most disgusting sights on the streets of otherwise civilised countries, dog waste spreads disease (yes, I’m sure you clean yours, but clearly not all owners are as considerate).

“The acts of one person’s pet can cause displeasure or disruption to the lives of hundreds. Please don’t be so selfish as to think this is your right, especially when there are still plenty of places in Dubai, and within the Marina itself, where dogs are still welcome.”

This report was originally published by TimeOutDubai.com

via Dogged debate: Should canines be banned from Dubai Marina? – Culture & Society – ArabianBusiness.com.

 

Dubai Marina residents reveal plan to reverse Emaar dog ban – Culture & Society – ArabianBusiness.com

By Staff Writer

Monday, 11 August 2014

Dubai Marina residents who are fighting to overturn Emaar’s ban on dogs using the promenade area of the residential area have come up with plans to end the dispute.

More than 90 residents have devised a proposal that includes issuing fines to irresponsible dog owners and the setting up of a Dubai Marina Pets Committee in a bid to allow dogs to co-exist.Last month, the residents delivered a petition of more than 1,300 signatures to Emaar’s headquarters calling on the master developer to reverse its ban on dogs using the promenade area of the marina development.

On July 13 Emaar erected signs forbidding dogs from accessing the Dubai Marina Promenade, which has prompted a backlash from dog owners living in the area.Emaar previously said that the decision to ban dogs from the area was taken for hygienic reasons.

The new proposal, which has been sent to Emaar management, also calls for a meeting between the two side to agree a road map.It recommends that fines of up to AED1,500 for solid waste and AED750 for not rinsing liquid waste or letting dogs off leashes in a bid to crack down on irresponsible dog owners.

It also proposes developing a census for dogs, with special collars being issued for dogs to allow them access to the promenade.

Residents are also planning to raise funds via a monthly tax per dog to fund initiatives such as “sweeper washer cleaners”, dog bags dispensers and bins.

Campaigners are also keen to develop small “green islands” between main developments eg Promenade & Al Sahab which can be used by dogs to relieve themselves and “dog lanes” and a “dog park”.

A spokesperson said: “In order to find the right balance between a pristine public space and a vibrant community where dogs are key, we suggest an approach based on accountability, education, quality and governance.”

In summary, we propose a solution that meets everyone needs: Dogs can maintain their basic rights of having access to public space, dog owners can enjoy time with their pets the public space, investors keep intact their property value, and ECM maintains their public space without raising their operating costs.”

via Dubai Marina residents reveal plan to reverse Emaar dog ban – Culture & Society – ArabianBusiness.com.

 

Dubai Marina residents to deliver petition to Emaar against promenade dog ban – Property – ArabianBusiness.com

A group of Dubai Marina residents will today deliver a petition to Emaar’s head quarter calling on the master developer to reverse its ban on dogs using the promenade area of the marina development.

On July 13 Emaar erected signs forbidding dogs from accessing the Dubai Marina Promenade, which has prompted a backlash from dog owners living in the area.

Today Sunday, July 20 residents Eli Abu Merhi and Rafael Lemaitre claim they will will deliver a petition signed by 65 residents, two retail owners and 1,333 other signaturees calling for the ban to be revoked.

The petition to be delivered to the offices of Abdulla Lahej, group chief executive officer of Emaar Properties, contains the following statement: “On Sunday the 13th of July, 2014, residents of the Dubai marina woke up to signs placed across the promenade, thanking them for ‘not bringing their dogs along to the promenade’.

The decision, which was taken suddenly and without prior notice, does not take into consideration the large number of dogs, and dog owners living on the Marina, and who chose to live on the Marina for its dog friendly attribute.

We, through this petition, request Emaar Group, to reverse the ban on dog walking on the marina Promenade, or to immediately allocate proper and safe designated areas where dogs can exercise, run and play, on the Marina.”Emaar said last week the decision to ban dogs from the area was taken for hygienic reasons.

“As part of enhancing the Marina Promenade experience at Marina Living, we are currently implementing the Environmental Management and Monitoring Programme as per the guidelines of Dubai Municipality to keep the premises clean, safe, hygienic and healthy at all times,” a spokesperson for Emaar said.“We have requested our visitors to kindly refrain from bringing their pets along the Marina Promenade, as part of the hygienic measures.

“We look forward to the cooperation of our residents and visitors to further add value to the community.”A concerned resident who contacted Arabian Business via email said animals have now been banned from any public space in the area.

“The outcome of this ruling will have tremendous impacts for dog owners and for the animals as in practical terms will mean dogs will be banned from any public space they are already banned in JBR, the beach and now Marina, the only remaining public space on the community.“In addition this will have considerable impact for the current owners which their property value will be diminished and for tenants with dogs which will have to move to a different community.”

via Dubai Marina residents to deliver petition to Emaar against promenade dog ban – Property – ArabianBusiness.com.

 

I rarely hear a barking dog in the UAE and long may that situation continue | The National

 

Rosemary Behan

July 19, 2014

“Residents of Dubai Marina expressed their shock and surprise to wake up last week to discover Emaar had banned dogs from public spaces.” They were quick to complain in the letters page of The National this week, warning that “Dubai will be lagging behind if this rule is enforced”.

I realise this may make me unpopular, but I’m all for a ban on dogs everywhere in the UAE. One of the things I love about living here as opposed to the UK, where I’m from, is the lack of dogs, dog mess and dog owners on the streets.

What joy it is to be able to walk barefoot on the beach or in a park, without fear of dog mess underfoot. How pleasant, clean and civilised.

Why then should Emaar’s forward thinking be attacked? Yes, perhaps residents could have been given more notice of a change, but it should hardly come as a surprise that this country is not the world’s biggest fan of dogs – and nor should it be made to be.

Those who choose to have dogs, often despite the lease terms of their apartments, should be forced to think for a minute about why their rights should override those who want families to be able to relax without the addition of dogs into the mix. Why do people need to keep dogs in cities, especially in sky-high apartment blocks? The motives seem ultimately selfish.

In my high-rise building in Abu Dhabi, I was just this week confronted by a woman in the lift with two dogs that she had taken for a walk and who were gasping from the heat.

On other occasions, I have seen other residents of the building taken aback at having to share the confined spaces of the lift areas with dogs, who often rush to them looking to be petted.

The owners use human language and a smug attitude to “educate” others about the wonderful world of dog ownership, as if it is a badge of a modern, civilised society. Far from it – no one wants a dog jumping up to lick the face of their two-year-old child, or to run the risk of being bitten or feel obliged to pet an animal perhaps when they are on their way to dinner and have just washed their hands. My family had dogs when I was growing up, and one of them had to be put down for biting.

This was the responsible thing to do, but why should anyone have had to be bitten in the first place? Unless an elderly or disabled person needs a dog for companionship or guiding purposes, dog ownership is an indulgence most of us can do without.

In my view, allowing pets to openly defecate on the street or beach, even when it is cleared up immediately afterwards, is unhygienic and frankly revolting. The real reasons that people have dogs are often selfish, as dogs give them unconditional love and a sense of purpose they should perhaps be looking for elsewhere.

Who asked the dog if it wanted to be kept as a pet in a high-rise building and exercised in the stifling heat?

Even in the UK, which some would think is a more conducive environment for dogs, the sheer number of them – seven million at one recent count – and their owners means that the dog’s presence is more often than not a plain nuisance, even when living in large houses with gardens.

In my old house in East London, my next door neighbour had a Jack Russell, which not only yapped at all hours of the day and night, disturbing my sleep, but burrowed under the garden fence and used my lawn as a toilet.

The response from the dog owner was not repeatable.In admirable contrast, I rarely hear a barking dog in the UAE or see a pile of dog mess.

Thankfully, the logistics of living away from home are enough to stop most people from insisting on all of their accompanying habits and foibles. I hope the UAE never becomes a “dog-loving” culture like the UK. Perhaps we could create designated dog areas, allowing the rest of us the chance to enjoy our peace?

via I rarely hear a barking dog in the UAE and long may that situation continue | The National.