Latest news with #Rifq
Muscat Daily
03-05-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Stray animals initiative in Muscat ‘Rifq' wins public support
Muscat – Amid rising complaints of safety concerns, Muscat Municipality has launched an initiative aimed at tackling the growing number of stray animals – especially dogs – across the capital's residential areas. Residents have often reported disturbances caused by stray packs – barking, fighting and howling late into the night. Concerns range from noise and foul odour to more serious issues such as safety and public hygiene. 'Every night, we hear dogs barking and fighting. It's hard to sleep. I have to check twice before letting my children play outside. While we understand they are living beings, their growing numbers make it very difficult for us,' said Amerat resident Mohammed al Abri. Fatima al Zadjali, a mother of three in Seeb, shared a similar experience. 'There are packs of dogs near the wadi by our home. My children are scared and I hesitate to walk alone in the early morning. My cousin's son was bitten badly, making all of us fearful. The cats are also a nuisance, scattering garbage everywhere.' Such concerns are common across the capital. Ruwi-based Suresh Nair said, 'I've seen dogs chase delivery riders and scare people. Strays have become a nuisance, especially at night. But I've always believed there has to be a better solution to tackle the menace.' In response, Muscat Municipality launched 'Rifq', an initiative centred on humane care and rehabilitation of stray animals. The programme adopts a structured approach aligned with international animal welfare standards, prioritising public health, environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The initiative allows residents to report sightings of stray animals, prompting swift and humane response by designated authorities. It also includes partnerships with specialised companies to manage safe animal capture and care. 'With Rifq, we now have hope that compassion will lead our policies,' said Nabeela al Balushi, a pet owner and animal rescue volunteer. 'I have myself rescued dogs from wadis. With a little love and care, they become part of families.' Animal welfare advocate Rahul Mehra welcomed the initiative. 'This is not only a relief, but also a call for action. We, as pet lovers, must now come forward to support it -through volunteering, awareness drives and adoptions,' he said. He also noted that veterinary care in the city is costly, suggesting basic services be made accessible at Rifq centres for low-income families. The call for greater community participation is growing. Fatima Khan, who shelters stray cats, said, 'As Rifq takes root, it symbolises a turning point in Oman's animal welfare journey – where community action replaces indifference.' She proposed forming an association of pet lovers to work with the municipality and recommended simplified adoption procedures to increase the number of rescued animals finding homes.
Muscat Daily
15-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Muscat Municipality invites bids for humane management of strays
Muscat – To enhance public safety and animal welfare, Muscat Municipality has invited bids from specialised companies for the humane capture and transport of stray dogs across Muscat governorate. The tender forms part of the municipality's wider strategy to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and promote sustainable local development. Open to companies registered with Oman's Tender Board, the tender must be submitted via the official e-tendering portal. The scope of work includes ethical capture and transport of stray dogs to the headquarters of Rifq Services with strict adherence to health and safety protocols. Contractors are expected to demonstrate both technical capability and a sound understanding of the governorate's varied geography and climate conditions. This initiative supports Rifq, a pioneering service launched by Muscat Municipality in 2024 to care for and rehabilitate stray animals. The Rifq programme reflects international best practices in animal welfare, biodiversity protection and community engagement. Designed to responsibly manage stray and free-roaming animals, including cats, dogs and other species, the Rifq programme addresses public health concerns while ensuring animal wellbeing. It also aligns with the municipality's core values of compassion, environmental responsibility and enhancement of quality of life. Muscat Municipality has called on the public to support the Rifq programme by reporting stray animals and participating in welfare efforts, contributing to a cleaner, safer and more humane urban environment.
Observer
15-04-2025
- General
- Observer
Bids invited from contractors to catch stray dogs for rehabilitation
Muscat: Muscat Municipality has invited bids from specialized companies to provide the service of catching stray dogs in the wilayats of Muscat Governorate and transporting them to the Rifq service headquarters. As per the tender, the contractor should be committed to all means, terms, and conditions related to catching dogs in the best possible way and transporting them to the service headquarters following health and safety conditions. The contractor must also take into consideration the geographical diversity and climatic fluctuations surrounding the implementation of the required work throughout the contract period. Through its Rifq service, Muscat Municipality aims to control the density and number of stray animals within the geographical boundaries of the Governorate and provide all necessary measures to achieve the highest levels of environmental sanitation. The Rifq service was launched by Muscat Municipality in 2024 to manage, care for, and rehabilitate stray and loose animals, including cats, dogs, and other species is the first of its kind in the Sultanate. According to Ahmed Mohammed al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, "The service is an initiative by Muscat Municipality to care for and rehabilitate stray and loose animals. We have learned about the experiences of other countries in dealing with these animals and have established a center or headquarters for this activity." The initiative seeks to find effective solutions to reduce the impact of stray and loose animals by taking effective measures that will ensure public health and create a safe and sustainable environment in Muscat Governorate. The initiative is based on global practices in dealing with stray animals and includes the process of catching these animals, sterilizing them, and then returning them to their natural environment. It will also provide comprehensive medical care for these animals, which also limits the transmission of infectious diseases to humans from them. People can report about stray channels through dedicated channels, including by calling the call center, or through the municipality's smart application called Baladiyati, after which the team will visit the site where these animals are located, he said. They will be caught, sterilized, and cared for by specialized teams that have been trained inside and outside the Sultanate. "We are ready to share experiences with other governorates and will expand the initiative to include other types of animals."
