The Ministry of Interior has issued a public reminder to all animal owners to adhere to legal requirements for the care and possession of pets, particularly dogs, as part of efforts to enhance public safety. In a statement distributed on its official social media channels, the ministry highlighted that abandoning animals in public spaces is strictly prohibited and can lead to legal consequences including imprisonment and financial penalties. Citizens and residents spotting stray dogs have been instructed to maintain a safe distance, note the exact location and immediately call 112 for intervention by competent teams. The ministry stressed that owners must comply with all regulations governing animal possession to ensure the safety of the community.
According to the ministry’s guidance, individuals who can no longer provide care for their animals should avoid releasing them and instead reach out to the emergency services for coordinated retrieval and management. This approach aims to prevent risks associated with stray animals while ensuring compliance with established welfare standards. The directive reflects ongoing coordination between security forces and specialized authorities responsible for animal control across the country. Officials added that failing to follow these steps may expose owners to enforcement actions under relevant laws.
A related report detailed how weak enforcement of existing legislation has contributed to persistent issues with stray dogs despite available legal frameworks. Veterinarian and public health expert Dr Abdulaziz Al-Ateeqi explained that Law No. 9 of 1969 requires licensing, registration and annual vaccination of dogs, with provisions for muzzling and leashing in public areas. He noted that Law No. 112 of 2015, which endorses the GCC animal welfare system, further obliges owners to prevent abandonment and ensure proper care.
Under the 2015 legislation, penalties for animal neglect or abuse can include up to one year in prison and a fine of up to 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars, an animal welfare overview stated. Earlier regulations from the 1969 law imposed fines of up to 30 dinars or one month imprisonment for specific dog ownership violations such as failing to license or vaccinate. These measures empower inspectors from multiple ministries to enforce standards and address public complaints.
The ministry’s latest warning arrives amid recurring concerns over dog bites and the proliferation of unlicensed animals in residential neighborhoods. Officials emphasized that all pet owners must follow rules on daily inspection, appropriate feeding and veterinary care when needed. Proper adherence helps mitigate health risks and maintains community harmony in urban settings. The statement reiterated that animals should never be left to roam freely without oversight.
Dr Al-Ateeqi called for improved registration systems and better resourcing of veterinary services to break the cycle of stray animal reproduction and abandonment. He suggested linking import and trade of dogs to mandatory tracking mechanisms that assign clear responsibility to owners. Such enhancements would support the ministry’s objectives of safeguarding both public safety and animal well-being while addressing gaps in current oversight.
