Sharjah Municipality has warned residents not to abandon pets after recording multiple cases near the emirate’s Birds and Pet market, saying the practice breaches applicable regulations and conflicts with responsible animal care.

In a notice issued on Monday, the municipality said pet owners who can no longer keep an animal should contact its call centre on 993 before taking any action. The call can be used to ask whether the Sharjah Cats and Dogs Shelter is able to accept the animal and whether a space is available.

The authority said requests to surrender animals are considered according to the shelter’s available capacity. Applicants will be contacted when space becomes available so that the municipality can determine whether the animal can be accepted.

Alongside the warning, the municipality released footage showing a boy leaving an animal in a cage outside a shop at the Birds and Pet market.

The municipality said responsible pet ownership includes ensuring animals receive appropriate healthcare and nutrition, as well as a safe environment. It also called on owners to comply with the relevant laws and requirements.