The Omani regulator engraved a fine feature built-in the Omani culture and wisely converted it to a law and that is to ensure the best interest of not just every human living in this blessed land, but to further cover every living soul. That has been wisely implemented in the Animal Welfare Law issued under royal Decree 21/2017 (the “Animal Welfare Law”).

The law is simple in its terms, and deep in its meanings. What adds to its glory is that this is applied by the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council which gives it a legal empowerment not just on a national level, but regional level.

Article 2 of the Animal Welfare Law imposes general obligation on the owners and caretakes of the animals to take all reasonable precautions that ensure that animals are not at harm, damage or suffering, and specifically:

– Provide suitable facilities and living standards for the accommodation of animals.

The regulator’s wisdom is illustrated in ensuring that a suitable accommodation is provided to the animals, this in short covers but not limited to the specific features to the animal, such as animals having a colder natural habitat, or amphibians, etc.

–  Provide enough amount of qualified labor to take care of the animals.

This ensures that taking care of animals happens by the individuals who are diligent and qualified to perform such duty which ensures that no animals are harmed.

–  Animals to be checked-on at least once a day.

This is self-explanatory as it is logical that constant check-up on the animals is required to ensure that no harm is made, and if a disease is spread, it can be tackled before it escalates.

–  Not to abandon any animal whose survival depends on the human, and if this animal is to be abandoned, this needs to be arranged with the concerned authority.

This is to ensure the wellbeing and survival of animals, and if it’s tiring for the caretaker or owner to take care of the animal, then this should be done through the concerned authority as it can arrange for a suitable accommodation.

–  Follow-up on the medical status of the animals and get them inspected by the vet for check-up and treatment.

It is basic animal rights to get the medical attention required, and this was wisely ensured by the Omani regulator for both check-up and treatment.

The law further adds under its umbrella the obligation of providing proper nutrition to the animal as per its type and age, transportation ensuring safety of the animals, forbade selling sick animals or animals that show symptoms of sickness, and forbade leaving the animals abandoned or in undesignated places. This is vital, as for example grazing these animals in the open can be troubling, as they might trespass to private properties, and might cross roads and highways endangering them and the users of these roads.

Violations made against the Animal Welfare Law are punished with imprisonment for 1 month and a fine or OMR 500 or one of these two punishments.