Readers call for enforcement of animal protection laws. Fatima Al Marzouqi / The National
Readers call for enforcement of animal protection laws. Fatima Al Marzouqi / The National

Investigate the incident of animal cruelty



I thank Nisansala for trying to save the kitten and The National for informing the public about the incident of animal cruelty (Kitten thrown out of taxi window in Dubai, October 25). It is illegal, immoral and repugnant and the perpetrators should be jailed.

I hope that the police can absolutely pull CCTV footage to obtain details about this crime and act of violent disregard for life – and should then follow it up with criminal charges and conviction of the suspects.

It is well documented that violent killers and serial murdering psychopaths start out as animal abusers.

Aside from our moral and religious duty to protect animals, we have a broader responsibility to society to stop those who disrespect life.

I urge the authorities to launch an investigation into this and other reported cases of animal cruelty or it will only get worse.

Elan Fabbri, Dubai

What is wrong with people? Also, again, a taxi was involved in a pointless act of cruelty. I thought taxis didn’t allow animals in them.

Lisa Justice, Dubai

I wonder whether cruelty to animals has increased here or just that such cases are now being reported. In any case, it’s not a sign of a healthy society.

This is not just about education or the lack of it. It’s the mentality that is scary.

I wonder why so many people enjoy torturing animals. Instead of throwing the kitten from a running car, it could be left at a safe place somewhere in a residential area, where it could have survived.

Research shows that such tendencies increase the risk of homicidal behaviour in an individual. It’s time these issues are taken seriously.

Sarah M, Abu Dhabi

These incidents leave me feeling infuriated and disgusted. It is disappointing that many so-called educated people enjoy torturing animals. I humbly request people not to harm these helpless creatures. This sort of behaviour is unacceptable and those who have done this must be ashamed of their act.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

This country desperately needs to enforce animal protection laws.

Mihaela Elhaj, Dubai

The offenders need to be arrested, fined and sent to prison. We have a law and we need it enforced. If a child were thrown out of the car window, there would have been an investigation. We have a great welfare law.

Name withheld by request

Sharjah deaths are shocking

I was shocked to know about the death of Ameera bin Karam, her mother and her sister (UAE women's pioneer among three killed in Sharjah house fire, October 24). How did the fire start? Were they all asleep? The incident must have happened at night. Nothing has been said about any of that.

Angela Alstad, Abu Dhabi

This is such a sad incident. Her memory will live in all the amazing things she did.

Tanya Milbourne, Abu Dhabi

I offer condolences to Bin Karam’s family and the community. She was a wonderful lady and a great inspiration. Her light lives on in my heart.

Satchitananda Ma, Dubai

Security experts set an example

I refer to the news report Man who planned to 'kill foreigners with bomb' is jailed in Abu Dhabi (October 24). On countless occasions, our security and counter-terrorism experts have foiled potential acts of terrorism.

Our security forces serve as a textbook example for other countries in this region and beyond in this regard.

Name withheld by request

Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
 
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
 
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

if you go
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe

Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010

Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille

Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm

Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year

Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”

Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners

TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013 

Key figures in the life of the fort

Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.

Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.

Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.

Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.

Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae