Sharjah Warns Residents Against Dumping Pets: How to Surrender One Properly
Sharjah Municipality has warned residents against dumping pets near the Birds and Pet market. Here is how to surrender an animal through 993 and what UAE law says about animal neglect.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
Sharjah Municipality has warned residents against dumping pets after finding many abandonment cases near the emirate's Birds and Pet market. In an announcement on Monday, the authority said leaving animals behind breaks the rules and runs against responsible animal care, according to Khaleej Times.
If you can no longer keep a pet in Sharjah, there is a proper route, and it starts with a phone call.
What Sharjah Municipality said about pet dumping
The municipality described pet dumping as a violation of applicable regulations and contrary to the principles of compassion. With the notice, it shared footage of a boy leaving an animal in a cage outside one of the shops at the market.
Responsible pet ownership, it said, means:
- Proper healthcare for the animal
- Adequate nutrition
- A safe environment
- Compliance with the relevant laws and requirements
How to surrender a pet in Sharjah
- Call 993. Ask whether your animal can be accepted and whether there is space at the Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter.
- Wait for a callback. Surrender requests are assessed against the shelter's capacity. The municipality contacts applicants once a space opens up to decide whether the animal can be taken in.
- Keep caring for your pet meanwhile. Because acceptance depends on space, call well before a move or a contract ends, not the week you leave.
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Shelters in Dubai and pet rules in Abu Dhabi
Other emirates have moved on animal welfare too, according to Khaleej Times:
- Dubai: Dubai Municipality built an integrated shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan in July, where cats recover, receive care and can be adopted. A separate shelter at Al Khawaneej houses dogs and handles their adoption. Animals get veterinary care before they are matched with families.
- Abu Dhabi: Microchipped cats and dogs must be registered on the TAMM platform under rules from the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The animal ownership service launched in February 2025, and owners who fail to register face fines.
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What UAE law says about animal neglect
Federal Decree-Law No. 31 of 2021, the Crimes and Penalties Law, prohibits crimes against animals. Khaleej Times highlighted these articles:
| Article | What it covers | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| 466 | Deliberately killing or seriously injuring certain animals, or leaving a stray animal in conditions that endanger people | Jail and/or a fine |
| 471 | Deliberately killing or poisoning a domesticated or tamed animal | Up to one year in jail or a fine up to AED 10,000 |
| 472 | Harassing, torturing or mistreating a domesticated animal, or failing to care for one you are responsible for | Fine up to AED 5,000 |
| 473 | Wounding or injuring another person's animal through your fault | Fine up to AED 3,000, or up to AED 10,000 if it dies |
Separately, Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 carries fines from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000 for using animals in scientific experiments without authorisation. In 2020, the Federal Public Prosecution also warned that selling ill or injured animals can bring a fine of AED 200,000.
Key takeaway
Sharjah says dumping pets breaks the rules. If you cannot keep an animal, call 993 and ask about shelter space, and remember that neglecting an animal in your care can cost up to AED 5,000 under federal law.
FAQ
Is it illegal to abandon a pet in Sharjah?
Sharjah Municipality says dumping pets violates applicable regulations. Federal law also fines anyone who fails to care for an animal they are responsible for up to AED 5,000.
How do I surrender a pet in Sharjah?
Call the municipality on 993 to ask whether the Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter can accept the animal. You will be contacted when a place is available.
Where can I adopt a cat or dog in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality runs a cat shelter at the Birds and Pets Market in Warsan and a dog shelter at Al Khawaneej, both offering adoption.
Do I need to register my pet in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Microchipped cats and dogs must be registered on the TAMM platform, and owners who do not comply face fines.
What is the fine for poisoning a pet in the UAE?
Under Article 471 of the Crimes and Penalties Law, deliberately killing or poisoning a domesticated animal can mean up to one year in jail or a fine of up to AED 10,000.
Further reading
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