Animal welfare official urges more humane treatment of animals

The Chairman of the Emirates Animal Welfare Society is urging the general public to treat animals humanely and promote positive behaviour in their dealings with them.

Dr. Nasser Lakhrebani Al Nuaimi is also encouraging members of society to get involved in animal protection volunteer work, saying that it is important that public awareness is raised on the role that animals play in maintaining an ecological balance.

Dr. Al Nuaimi made these remarks during the opening of the first Animal Welfare Forum, which the society recently hosted with the participation of welfare associations, under the slogan, "No to Violence Against Animals" at the Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi.

"The forum aims to develop a new vision for the Emirates Animal Welfare Society in the UAE, in order to develop mechanisms, policies and legislation to put the UAE at the forefront of protecting and promoting the rights of animals, spreading a culture of awareness on how to interact with animals," he said.

During the forum, the UAE was benchmarked against the US and the UK on international best practices in the field of animal protection, and the united efforts made to address any obstacles facing animal welfare organisations.