The Muscat Municipality has issued a set of guidelines for pet owners on how to take their pets in public places, as there have been concerns over their presence at some places frequented by people without pets.
The set of guidelines have been issued due to inconvenience for the public place visitors, mostly families, athletes and those who come for fresh air outdoors.
It is difficult to clean the areas where the pets drop waste on pathways, green grass or sand.
In some cases, some of the pets are un-vaccinated and could carry harmful germs that transmit pathogens to children or adults when exposed to them.
Accordingly, the Civic Authority decided to implement local order No 1/2011 that specifies the need for the animal owners or escorts to take necessary precautions to prevent the disposal of animal waste from their waste in these places.
Article No 2 of the order makes it clear that pet owners are obliged to remove the animal droplets while roaming in public places, besides taking the necessary precautions to prevent the animals from disposal of their waste in these places.
The Article no 3 indicated that pets taken to public places must wear a collar, and must be licensed by the competent veterinary authority of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Anyone found not fulfilling these requirements will be fined RO 50, and the Municipality may appeal to the Royal Oman Police (ROP) if necessary, that the controls and investigation pertaining to this violation are carried out in accordance with the legally approved administrative and judicial procedures.
Muscat Municipality will carry out field inspections and awareness campaigns to monitor all activities in accordance with the requirements stipulated by law.
The civic body also called on all citizens and residents to report any observations by calling the Muscat Call Centre (1111) or through the municipality's platforms on social media.
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