Tighter leash put on dogwalkers

DOGS have been banned from public beaches, parks and other open spaces as Abu Dhabi moves to put pet owners on a tighter leash.

The new rules, carried in local media yesterday, were imposed after complaints of dog mess in the seaside sands and grassy areas in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The no-dog zones also include shopping centres and public pools.

Officials say dog owners can still stroll with their pets on pavements and areas along roadsides, but a new code on picking up dog dirt will be drafted.

The limits do not apply to Dubai and the other semi-autonomous emirates. Dogs are shunned in Muslim culture, but are popular pets within the UAE's foreign communities.