It's hard to combat a crime in a country where citizens and residents are not keen to cooperate (Enforcement of exotic animal laws goes hand-in-hand with education, October 4). In fact, they are the ones who help the animal markets to thrive here. If you crack down on them and ban sales of exotic animals online, these businesses will simply go underground. That is because the risk is nothing in comparison to the income potential.
Evidence also suggests that illegal businesses thrive in places where people are wealthy. For example, if you want to buy a cheetah cub and are ready to pay any price for it, you are most likely to get it without having to spare much effort.
It’s ultimately your understanding that can make a difference. While police do their job, citizens and residents will need to do their part to stop this unethical practice.
Deep Saranya, Abu Dhabi
Why we need more car parks
In reference to the story Abu Dhabi residents unhappy that 'dirty' cars are towed away while they're on holiday (October 3), why not solve the more important problem of buildings being allowed to be constructed without adequate car parks for residents? This is one reason why residents have to leave their cars out in the open while away from the country.
Multistorey car parks could solve much of this problem. It would also be helpful to people who spend anything between 30 minutes and an hour each day looking for a parking space.
The authorities could improve public transport that would discourage many people to own cars.
Michal Teague, Abu Dhabi
While people are being fined heavily for dirty cars, they are being allowed to litter – on the beaches, in the desert and even public places.
This too is taking a toll on the country’s appearance.
Sylvia Moore, Abu Dhabi
No incentive for saving energy
I am a lifelong environmentalist (Dubai to help source funding for solar rooftop projects, October 5). So I fitted my villa with energy-efficient products, including LED lights, yet my electricity bills continue to climb despite being exceedingly careful with usage.
I would love to instal solar panels on my roof, but it is not cost-effective and we do not receive the incentives offered in other markets to make it worthwhile.
Nor do residential developers source energy-efficient products for our common areas.
I hope to soon hear announcements that Dewa, the Government and developers will help homeowners with conversion efforts, too.
Elan Faabri, Dubai