Dog owners told to clean up pets' act, or face a Dh200 fine

New signs and dog-waste bins have been installed throughout Jumeirah Lakes Towers, much to the relief of residents and dog owners alike.

A dog owner walks her pet beside a new ‘dog waste station’.

DUBAI// Dog owners in Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) have been warned to clean up after their pets and to keep them on a leash, or face a Dh200 fine.

New signs and dog-waste bins have been installed throughout JLT by master developer Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC), much to the relief of residents and dog owners alike.

"JLT has provided this service in the interests of the community and the environment," said a statement from DMCC.

Paula Quinn, from the UK, who walks her Staffordshire Bull Terrier five times a day around the high-rise development, said the signs were a good idea.

"I think most dog owners are responsible, but these signs inform people about what the rules are and the stations are convenient for them to dispose of waste," she said.

"I do think it is a little steep to fine people Dh200 for not keeping the dog on its leash. My dog isn't used to having a leash on so usually he walks around without one.

"However, if other people are around I put it on.

Issam Sharara, a Jordanian, who lives at Lake Point Tower said the fine should be higher. "I have a one-year-old daughter and there are a lot of families who live around here who have children who play outside," he said.

"It is an issue about health when dog owners don't clean up after their pets and children can pick up all kinds of diseases if they come into contact with it."

There are currently 40 waste stations dotted across JLT. A further 10 will be installed once landscaping is completed in other areas.

"All are strategically placed adjacent to potential areas where owners may be expected to walk their dogs," said DMCC.

"These rules are necessary for the safety of other community users, children and the dogs themselves.

"Penalties relate to the master community rules where fines can be levied.

"The current fine is Dh200 for failing to have a dog on a leash and Dh200 for failing to remove waste."

The developer said the signage was consistent with JLT master community rules permitting dogs to be walked in community areas as long as the rules are followed.