RAK PWD sets up traps to rein in stray animals

Ahmed Al Hammadi, directorgeneral of the department of public works (PWD), said they have launched more Raqib (Control) patrols on public roads and squares to catch stray animals. The department has also set up more traps at different areas. “Fences are also being built to keep stray animals off the road and protect drivers.” The PWD also completed an animal shelter at Al Jazirat Al Hamra. “Tens of stray animals have been caught by the traps this year so far.” The traps are meant to snare stray animals and protect both the creatures’ and road users’ lives. “More importantly, we want to curb deadly traffic accidents involving stray animals.” The traps are mainly installed at open and empty areas close to public roads, he explained. “The iron traps are kind of circleshaped with one door, and some herbs inside are used to lure the animal in.” Once an animal gets in, the door closes automatically. “Special vehicles are then brought to the site to shift the seized animal to the department’s barn.” The camels, goats or cows caught are then subjected to a veterinary examination to make sure that they are free from any contagious disease, Al Hammadi revealed. “If they are disease-free and fit for consumption, they are moved to the RAK Central Abattoir, where they are slaughtered and distributed to the charity societies here.” However, the camels are mostly spared and never slaughtered for their financial and traditional value, he noted. “If the animal owner had already filed a report at the department that his camel or other animal is missing, he has to pay a fine of Dh1,000 to get it back. “Some owners of the repeatedly seized camels send one of their relatives each time to evade hefty fines, permanent confiscation, and the animal getting slaughtered.”