Animal welfare crackdown in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Municipality has launched inspections of pet stores to check conditions and make sure they are not selling protected species.

If retailers are caught breaching these standards, penalties could reach up to AED 10,000, while selling a sick animal could result in a AED 3,000 fine.

The municipality is also cautioning pet owners about mistreating animals.

They're being reminded to keep their dogs on a leash or face a fine of AED 5,000, while abandoning pets attract a fine of AED 2,000

Under the law, it is illegal to keep any animals except cats and dogs in villas or apartments without a municipality permit.