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Arab Times

Stray Dog Control Campaign Kicks Off in Kuwait

Since the 1960s, Kuwait has enforced a law regulating dog ownership, including strict guidelines for taking dogs for a walk in public. The law mandates that dogs must have a collar belt displaying a metal plate containing the dog's data. Additionally, dogs are required to wear a muzzle while walking in public spaces. The law states the following: No person may own a dog without a license from the Ministry of Public Health. To obtain a license, an application must be submitted to the veterinary center with details such as the owner's name, address, dog's type and color, and its origin. The dog must undergo a medical examination and rabies vaccination at the veterinary center. A special record will be created for each licensed dog, which will be assigned a serial number. Each dog must wear a collar with a metal plate bearing the serial number. If the plate is lost, the owner must request a replacement within two days for a fee of 250 fils. If found without the plate, the dog will be impounded and returned only upon payment of a 1 KD fee. Dogs must be muzzled or leashed when in public; violators will have their dogs impounded. Dogs must be presented for annual rabies vaccinations at the designated times. If a dog is suspected or confirmed to have rabies, it must be reported immediately to the veterinary center, and any bitten animals will also be seized. The same applies to any dog that bites a human or animal, even if rabies is not suspected. The Veterinary Department has the authority to euthanize stray dogs or those suspected of rabies that pose a danger to the public. Infected or suspected rabid animals must be observed for 15 days and may be euthanized if confirmed to be infected. Animal remains, including rabid animals, must be reported to the veterinary department for proper disposal. This law applies to Kuwait City and other designated areas, with exceptions for Bedouin guard or hunting dogs. Violating the law results in a fine of up to 30 KD or a maximum one-month imprisonment. Veterinarians and other inspectors are authorized as judicial police to enforce the law. The law is enforced by the Ministries of Public Health, Interior, and Justice, effective from its publication in the Official Gazette.