civil law

|

July 27, 2021

|

2108 views


| Your comment matters, please click here to rate article!


Couple whose dog dies in daycare want to warn of the dangers

Beloved pet Albi was left on the back seat of a vehicle on way to kennels in Dubai

A two-year-old dog died when she was left inside a hot car for seven hours by a day care company.

Kareem Kerry, 32, and his wife Lauren, 27, had used the same centre in Dubai to care for their dog Albi twice a week while they were at work.

The trust built over more than two years shattered when Mr Kerry received a call to say the family pet had died.

Albi had been picked up by handlers from her home in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. While the incident may have breached animal protection laws, the couple decided not to seek a criminal prosecution against the centre, which The National has not named for legal reasons. But they want to use Albi's story to warn others about leaving animals unattended inside parked cars.

People found guilty of animal neglect can be fined up to Dh200,000 or sentenced to a year in prison.

"To get the call that our dog was dead was just a horrendous experience," said Mr Kerry, a restaurant manager from Trinidad.

"My wife was on her way to work at the time when she took the call. She was devastated, just broken.

"On the phone, the handler was trying to tell us what happened but all he could say was that he had just killed Albi. He was quite upset."

Albi's ashes were only returned to the couple a week after she died, and they are yet to receive an apology.

A letter of explanation of events leading to the dog's death was sent to the couple by the dog centre.

According to the statement, Albi was collected at around 7am on Monday, July 12. By then, the temperature was already creeping past 35C and would hit 40C by noon. The handler responsible said he felt unwell and forgot he had a dog in the car when he arrived at the kennels.

Albi's absence was only noted more than seven hours later at around 2pm, when the dog was missing from the usual daily photo roll-call to show clients their pets were safe.

Staff returned to the car, but found Albi lying dead on the back seat. "It is an extremely sad situation, but because of our relationship with the centre we decided not to press charges," said Mr Kerry.

"As a day care business, there should have been checks and balances to avoid these kind of incidents.

The person responsible was a senior manager, which was quite worrying, Mr Kerry said.

"Day care was so crucial for us taking in a rescue dog, as we did not want her to be on her own while we were not home," he said.

"This was a tragic accident, but the worst part was having Albi locked in the car for so long and she was not even missed.

"The last thing we want is for this negligence to happen again."

Unlike humans who sweat, dogs eliminate heat from their bodies by panting.

When that process fails, a dog's body temperature rises and leads to heat stroke, which can become fatal if not treated immediately.

As well as excessive panting, other symptoms of overheating include drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement and collapse.

Once rescued from a hot environment, dogs can be offered water to drink and cooled by placing soaked towels on their backs.

"This is a dreadful incident," said Dr Susan Aylott, a partner at Animalia, animal welfare specialists and veterinary clinic in Abu Dhabi.

"There is no excuse, if the dog was in care it should not have been forgotten about.

"Dogs should be treated with the same level of care as children, but often they are not. This is gross negligence.

"A car can heat up in 10 minutes, with the temperature 20 degrees higher than outside, so this poor dog would have had no chance."

Other day care centres contacted said most licensed, registered businesses operate a check-in and out system similar to that on a school bus to ensure no animals are left behind.

Text messages are sent to the pet parents to notify them when an animal has been collected, or dropped-off.

"It should be remembered a dog can suffer heat stroke within just a few minutes and that can lead to cardiac arrest, so time is of the essence," said Dr Aylott.

"These cases should be considered an emergency and acted upon accordingly if an animal is in distress."

When breaches of good practice are reported in animal-related businesses, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment can issue a warning, followed by a temporary six-month suspension and then permanent closure and licence cancellation for repeat offenders.

Dubai-based lawyer Dr Hassan Elhais, of Al Rowaad Advocates, said the law clearly states day care centres must provide a sufficient number of workers with appropriate experience, knowledge, and professional qualifications required for the animals in their care.

“They must inspect the animals which are in their care at least once a day to check on their conditions,” he said.

"The animal owner has the right to file a civil case to claim damages to cover the dog cost and the moral harm they faced because of the losing their pet.

"Cases should be filed against the company and the person who did the wrongful act jointly."

Related Links


Comments

No comments found.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want to know more?
Then talk to us.


Client Testimonials

I owe the success of my case to Dr. Hassan's diligent approach. He remained focused, put me at ease and always went the extra mile. Dr. Hassan tirelessly put my case in the best possible light and I cannot thank him enough. I would highly recommend Dr. Hassan - I am grateful to him from the bottom of my heart.

Raphael Lauria
Manager, FME General Trading

Dr. Hassan Elhais is among the best legal consultants I have ever worked with. He has an amazing ability to reduce complex issues into a simple concept that non-legal people can understand. He consistently develops innovative litigation strategies that help us to achieve our ultimate legal goals.

Zhuo Liu
Client

...the extraordinary effort that has been exerted by the staff, and we specially thank Dr. Hassan Mohsen Alhais. Wishing your continues success & excellence...

H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin
Mohammed Hashir Al Maktoum

I believe everyone should recognize what a difference Dr. Hassan Elhais work has made to people's lives; and especially to our family's life, because we will remain forever grateful to each and every one of his team.

Luis Pozueco
Client

Dr. Hassan Elhais never fears cases that involve exposure and he always gives me his honest assessment of our chances of success, which is invaluable to me.

Bassam Yamout
Director, JM Metal Trading LCC

He aided us not only in providing legal advice but also in all legal issues that required a long term strategic approach to achieve most favorable and optimum outcomes he provided us with high level of professional service.

Philippe Delbecq
Client

Dr. Hassan Elhais is a responsible, reputable counsel who operates to high levels of service.

British Client

Dr Hassan Elhais is responsive, thorough and creative with his advice, and is a valued advisor and legal consultant.

Asma Mattar
Manager, Italian Style

Regardless of the complexity of the matter I know Dr. Hassan Elhais will consider not only legal strategy but also business practicalities in providing advice and litigation options.

Dr. Massimo Hakim
Chairman, Italian Style

I recommend Dr. Hassan Elhais to anyone who says 'I'm in legal trouble'. I was extremely satisfied with the high standard of his work. He has always been there when I have needed him and I refer all my clients, family and friends to him/his firm.

Manish Gupta
Marketing Manager, Express Digital System

Dr. Hassan Elhais was very professional and he listened to my needs. He was very prompt, efficient and always kept me informed. Dr. Hassan Elhais's service was excellent and I would definitely recommend him to friends and colleagues.

James Horsley
British Client

Contact Me





I Agree to Terms and Conditions
Please check this box if you want to proceed.

Select your Language:

     

Main Menu