Don’T ThRow fooD To biRDS in A lAKe

In Dubai, feeding stray cats is a violation. People who feed a stray cat can face a Dh200 fine, according to the Dubai Municipality, which is keen on reducing the stray population in the emirate. The ban aims to maintain public safety and reduce health risks in communities, while preventing neighborhoods from becoming a place for breeding strays.

Dr Sara Elliott, director and owner of British Veterinary Hospital, said throwing bread or food in lakes for birds poisons the water they drink from. “People aren’t placing the right food for them, while also impacting their source of water, which can leave an impact on birds’ health,” she said.

“Unfortunately what people need to realise is that random food for affect the food chain and impact the stray population.”

When providing food, it helps animal population grow in one area than the other. Elliott urged people to take active part in Trap, Neuter and Release (TNR) programmes to control the population explosion. “Limit the problem in the street rather than helping in a negative way,” she said.

Meanwhile, Touleen Jundi, co-owner of Pet Station Group, urged people to help animals through registered charities that provide necessities for strays. “When you provide food for animals, it helps kill their hunting extent, and thus gives more harm than help,” she said.