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Stray Dog Control Campaign Kicks Off in Kuwait

Stray Dog Control Campaign Kicks Off in Kuwait

The 1960s Dog Ownership Law in Kuwait: What You Need to Know

publish time

27/04/2025

publish time

27/04/2025

Since the 1960s, Kuwait has enforced a law regulating dog ownership, including strict guidelines for taking dogs for a walk in public. The law mandates that dogs must have a collar belt displaying a metal plate containing the dog's data. Additionally, dogs are required to wear a muzzle while walking in public spaces.

The law states the following:

  • No person may own a dog without a license from the Ministry of Public Health.
  • To obtain a license, an application must be submitted to the veterinary center with details such as the owner's name, address, dog's type and color, and its origin.
  • The dog must undergo a medical examination and rabies vaccination at the veterinary center.
  • A special record will be created for each licensed dog, which will be assigned a serial number.
  • Each dog must wear a collar with a metal plate bearing the serial number. If the plate is lost, the owner must request a replacement within two days for a fee of 250 fils. If found without the plate, the dog will be impounded and returned only upon payment of a 1 KD fee.
  • Dogs must be muzzled or leashed when in public; violators will have their dogs impounded.
  • Dogs must be presented for annual rabies vaccinations at the designated times.
  • If a dog is suspected or confirmed to have rabies, it must be reported immediately to the veterinary center, and any bitten animals will also be seized.
  • The same applies to any dog that bites a human or animal, even if rabies is not suspected.
  • The Veterinary Department has the authority to euthanize stray dogs or those suspected of rabies that pose a danger to the public.
  • Infected or suspected rabid animals must be observed for 15 days and may be euthanized if confirmed to be infected.
  • Animal remains, including rabid animals, must be reported to the veterinary department for proper disposal.
  • This law applies to Kuwait City and other designated areas, with exceptions for Bedouin guard or hunting dogs.
  • Violating the law results in a fine of up to 30 KD or a maximum one-month imprisonment.
  • Veterinarians and other inspectors are authorized as judicial police to enforce the law.
  • The law is enforced by the Ministries of Public Health, Interior, and Justice, effective from its publication in the Official Gazette.