Ban on dogs in Dubai Marina: owners submit petition

• The Marina promenade in Dubai. Dogs have been banned from this area

1,400 pet owners signed petition to reverse ban against dogs on Dubai Marina promenade

 More than 1,000 pet owners and friends have handed a signed petition to property developers on Sunday, in an attempt to reverse the ban against dogs on the Dubai Marina promenade.

"Through this petition we are all expecting Emaar to hear our concerns and see it as a chance to open a dialogue with us. As many as 1,400 people have signed the petition, and they are all the people that have been affected by the decision," said Rafael Lemaitre, a resident, who handed the signed petition yesterday to the property developer's Chief Executive Manager's office.

"All we are asking for is to find a possible solution," he said.

When contacted by Gulf News on Sunday, Emaar was unavailable for comment.

Earlier last week, Emaar management placed signboards along the Dubai Marina Promenade, prohibiting dog owners from walking their pets there. In a statement, Emaar said their decision was according to the guidelines of Dubai Municipality to keep the premises clear, safe, hygienic and healthy at all times.

"We have requested our visitors to kindly refrain from bringing their pets along the Marina Promenade, as part of the hygienic measures," it said.

The decision angered pet owners as it was implemented without any prior warning, and further limits the movement of dogs in the area - they are already banned from the beach.

Pet owners have also expanded their campaign and launched a Facebook support group called Dubai Marina Dogs, where photos of dogs living at the Marina are posted online.

"Pets are not allowed anywhere outside the building, and now they even have guards to stop us from walking our dogs ... and the basic needs of dogs cannot be met," said Eli Abu Merhi, a resident of Dubai Marina, who owns a three-year-old cocker spaniel.

Residents also pointed out that many moved to the area as it allowed pets and offered a dog-friendly environment.

"We do not mind reaching a middle ground, and are ready to follow rules, such as putting dogs on a leash or being fined for not cleaning up after them. We have taken a lot of trouble bringing our pets here and now all our efforts and costs are being ignored," said Merh