Ras Al Khaimah, March 31: Residents of the Digdag area of RAK have complained of a strong stench and dirty surroundings as a result of animals being kept in the neighbourhood.
The dung and urine from cattle, sheep and goats being kept in residential areas, produce a very bad smell especially during the evenings, complained some residents. Residents have asked municipal officials to take measures against keeping cattle near homes, stressing it was a menace to others.
Mubarak Ali Al Shamsi, Chairman of RAK Municipality said his office has received several complaints in this regard and that a committee of inspectors has been formed to investigate into the matter.
The official has promised to take the necessary actions and transfer the animals to other places designated for keeping livestock, if the inspectors find that these animals pose a danger to people’s health and the environment.
“Cattle and goats are being kept just a few metres from my home. The cow-dung and urine produce a very bad smell which makes us very uncomfortable,” said Emirati, Mohammed Hassan, a resident of Digdag.
“We live in poor hygiene conditions. Goats and sheep wander around the streets and near our homes and litter dung all over the area,” said Ahmed Khamis another resident.
According to Umm Hammad a resident, some people burn the animal wastes including cow dung which creates a strong stench that pollutes the environment.
Al Shamsi noted that animal farms and ranches have existed in Digdag for several years. But new residences have now been extended to some of these areas in recent years.
–Agencies–