Saudi Arabia’s transportation authorities recently made an announcement that signals a shift in the country’s conservative cultural norms – people are now permitted to bring pets on public transportation. This update reflects the changing attitudes towards pets in the country.
According to the Transport General Authority in Saudi Arabia, a comprehensive document was released outlining the rights of passengers on buses, trains, and boats in the kingdom. The document states that “small” animals are allowed on these modes of transportation as long as they are contained within a box or designated area and do not pose a threat or obstruct the movement of other passengers.
The document includes various other rules and regulations regarding fare payments, luggage, and more. For violations, fines ranging from 100 to 500 Saudi riyals ($27-$133) have been established. In the case of improperly bringing a pet on board, the penalty stated in the document is refusal of service.
Additionally, the Transport General Authority has clarified the rights of visually impaired passengers to bring service animals on public transportation, as long as they do not hinder the movement of others or pose a danger.
Why does this matter?
Having dogs as pets is relatively uncommon in the Muslim world, although cats are more prevalent. However, in recent years, the acceptance of pets, including cats and dogs, has increased in Saudi Arabia. According to Arab News, some Saudis have been adopting cats and dogs from shelters and even the streets since 2018.
In the region, dogs as pets are still considered taboo. Some Islamic scholars believe that dogs are unclean and prohibit them as house pets. However, owning a dog is legal in Saudi Arabia, with certain breeds, such as pit bulls, being banned in the country, as stated on the Saudi Embassy in Washington’s website.
This decision to allow pets on public transportation is part of a broader series of cultural and societal changes occurring in Saudi Arabia. In May, it was reported that LGBTQ tourists and unmarried couples are now welcome to visit the kingdom, according to Saudi Arabia’s official tourism website. Additionally, in 2018, Saudi women were granted the right to drive, although there are still criticisms of the treatment of women in the country, particularly regarding male guardianship laws.
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Al-Monitor reported in June that many Egyptians have been forced to abandon their pets due to the rising cost of living.