Squalid animal souq a ‘pet hate’

The animal area of Souq Waqif, which has received many complaints from concerned animal lovers about the condition of the animals on display

By Peter Townson
Animal welfare enthusiasts have once again expressed their concern at the squalid conditions of the animal souq at Souq Waqif, where many of the animals are struggling with the summer temperature as they are left outside.
Worried onlookers have contacted the Animal Resource Department at the Ministry of Environment to express their concern about the way the animals are being cared for, and have highlighted the fact that many are being kept in unsatisfactory surroundings and seem to be in poor health.
During a visit last week, the poor condition of many of the animals at the souq was once again abundantly clear to see.
A large number of pets were without food or water when Gulf Times visited the area on Wednesday evening.
When shopkeepers were questioned about the lack of food, and especially water, they replied that the animals had already drunk their water.
“They don’t need water now,” declared one shopkeeper about three obviously hot and thirsty kittens. “Look around the souq - it is the same everywhere!”

Animals are kept outside in the heat, often without food or water

Many of the cages housing animals without water or food were also filthy, with animals sitting or lying in their own excrement.
It is fair to say that a number of shops have made improvements and are selling only birds and fish, which is what they are officially supposed to sell at the souq. It seems that some of the shopkeepers are also doing their best to keep their shops clean.
However, other shops selling cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals keep them in poor conditions.
The problems have been consistently highlighted by Qatar Animal Welfare Society (QAWS). Their calls have recently been echoed by a large number of individuals who have written to the authorities to highlight problems and in some cases, suggest solutions.
One enthusiast argued that the people working at the souq should be educated about how to look after the animals, and be provided rules and regulations regarding feeding, watering and cleaning the animal’s cages.
A number of people pointed out that the animals are simply too hot when they are left outside, and that many of them are visibly suffering in the summer climate.
Others expressed their concern about the dyed animals, highlighting the health risks associated with colouring the chicks, rabbits and other animals to make them “more appealing.”
The members of QAWS and other animal welfare enthusiasts also argued that education was a key factor in improving the situation, both in terms of the staff working at the souq, as well as visitors who continue to aggravate and mistreat the animals and are unaware of how to handle them properly.
“The animals need water at all times – especially when it as hot and humid as it is at the moment,” said one British expatriate, adding “you can see the animals suffering and it isn’t fair.”
“I don’t like it at that place and I would prefer it was shut down, but as it has to exist then I really hope they do something to improve the conditions for the poor animals,” she added.

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=447319&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16

Share : Share

22 comments Sort by rating

By chocoholic• 17 Jul 2011 17:31

:... and are selling only birds and fish, which is what they are officially supposed to sell at the souq. "They've been selling cats, dogs, rabbits etc. for as long as that place has been in existence. No one in a position of "authority" has noticed? Or are they just not even aware of that particular so-called rule?

By Xena• 17 Jul 2011 16:56

Rating: 2/5

:-)

It is hard to watch - believe me, we at ground level are way more intune than the average joe, but the wheels of change turn slowly - Things are moving - We are slowly seeing changes - lets hope now that with the ARD taking notice finally our cries won't fall on deaf ears.

By jjj75• 17 Jul 2011 16:51

Rating: 2/5

Xena - apologies for the misunderstanding. I was being flippant, I am 100% sure that people have complained but what I cannot credit is that nothing has been done about it - hence the sheer laziness.

Lazy for not taking the time to ensure the animals have adequate living conditions (by the owners and operators)

Lazy for the govt authorities not to do anything about it.

By Xena• 17 Jul 2011 16:37

Rating: 4/5

How do you know that no one has complained?

There have been many complaints from QAWS along with a file that we had sent to the ministry with letters and emails we received about complaints, but nothing was being done.

Finally 2 weeks ago the animal resources department took note.

Its also not the first article written by Pete Townsend regarding this matter - you will find many of those too.

Please don't assume things - peoples hands are tied, unfortunately - you know how things work in Qatar!

By anonymous• 17 Jul 2011 16:36

It drives my attentiont that Peter Townson wrote this article. Hmmmmm... he is maturing now!

By jjj75• 17 Jul 2011 15:02

Rating: 3/5

Yup, just plain wrong, it turns my stomach every time I go there. How hard can it be to deal with this, if the authorities don't know, then shame on them. It has been like this for a while and I cannot believe that no one has complained in all this time - sheer laziness all round

By Xena• 17 Jul 2011 14:43

Rating: 4/5

If you go to the QAWS Facebook page - we posts a link awhile back on how they dye the animals - its absolutely cruel!!!

Please don't buy the animals at the souq people - buying to save them makes a demand which will then get supplied by even more animals - to be left in horrific conditions - which you will be tempted to buy to save - which make a demand.... as you can see its a vicious circle.

By frenchieman• 17 Jul 2011 14:36

This part of Souq Waqif is disturbing, and I always walk around it. And what exactly makes a pink dog or rabbit more attactive?

By Colt45• 17 Jul 2011 09:14

I have also seen these coloured chickens on my recent trip to the far-east :-(

By timebandit• 17 Jul 2011 09:10

I find pink rabbits out of the ordinary. I can only guess that they are dunked in a bucket of dye, and due to the 100% coverage, I am guessing they were completely immersed. I wonder if that would burn their eyes? I also wonder if they get discarded by their purchasers once they return to their natural colour?

By anonymous• 17 Jul 2011 08:48

Rating: 4/5

I was there about a week ago and thankfully didn't notice anything out of the ordinary. Animals seemed to be kept in a pretty good shape.

By britexpat• 17 Jul 2011 08:37

Rating: 4/5

I wonder if it was the Norwegian Blue. Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue. Beautiful plumage and loves to rest ..

By Colt45• 17 Jul 2011 08:37

Behave yourself and stop hijacking the thread :-(

By Rizks• 17 Jul 2011 08:34

no Coltey , i guess she bought 2 popats ? (Parrots)

By Colt45• 17 Jul 2011 08:32

By now all of QL knows you went to the US and we also know that on your flight there or from there you changed your seat coz the guy sitting next to you was drinking far too much. :-(Btw, did you buy a pair of kitties from the pet shop? :-P

By anonymous• 17 Jul 2011 08:27

Lack of professionalism everywhere you look in Qatar! Expect amazing!

By Kareena74• 17 Jul 2011 08:17

Rating: 5/5

And I can vouch for it because I too purchased my pets from that horrible place.. I just wish the government would take measures to improve their condition. As the author mentioned, these people are uneducated and they have no idea whatsoever about pet care. In many countries, pet shop owners themselves are pet lovers and they have plenty of knowledge about pet care. In fact when I was in the United States earlier this year, I had visited a local pet shop and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. It seemed more like a grocery store or supermarket than a pet store.. It was a fully airconditioned store with neat aisles of pet care products, food, toys, cages etc and a separate section for pets and they were kept in neat and clean cages. The shop attendants were very helpful and they had ample knowledge about the pets and their products. In short, I had a very satisfying experience and I ended up purchasing far too many toys and accessories for my pets back home in Qatar..

By Rizks• 17 Jul 2011 08:14

look at those little rabbits up there, they are so adorable and cute...but struggling to survive outside in this extreme temp....:(

By Colt45• 17 Jul 2011 08:08

Rating: 3/5

The conditions in which some of these pets are kept is abysmal. I think the authorities need to insist that these pets be kept in controlled temperatures and clean environment. They must impose fines and subsequently ban all such shops that violate this.

By catweasel• 17 Jul 2011 08:07

Rating: 5/5

It's the shop owners who should be punished, and like the article says these shop keepers are uneducated and have no idea that looking after them this way is wrong. They too are prob living in horrible conditions and paid very little. Pressure and complaints to the Animal Resources Dep have to continue, and people MUST stop buying the animals because they think they are 'rescuing' them, it gives the owners the money to ship in 10 more...

By britexpat• 17 Jul 2011 08:00

Rating: 5/5

The souq is designed to be a "tourist" attraction, not just a market. Hence the authorities need to do more to ensure that the correct image is projected and the anilmals looked after properly.

By Rizks• 17 Jul 2011 07:58

those bloody shopkeepers should be thrown in tat cage and made sit in this climate outside, then only they will realise the thirst and hunger ? :(

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.

My account

My saved ads

My saved searches

Logout

Squalid animal souq a ‘pet hate’

More from Qatar Living