Islamic Perspectives on Animal Care, Reform Movements, and Unique Regional Welfare Challenges
The Middle East presents a diverse and rapidly evolving animal welfare landscape. The region is simultaneously a major destination for international live animal exports (raising significant welfare concerns), home to culturally important human-animal relationships (camel racing, falconry, working donkeys), and increasingly the site of sophisticated animal welfare legislation — particularly in the Gulf states.
Islamic teachings provide a rich foundation for animal welfare: the Prophet Muhammad's hadith emphasize kindness to animals and prohibit cruelty. Yet cultural practices, rapid urbanization, stray animal crises, and limited enforcement capacity mean significant gaps between principle and practice persist across the region.
The UAE has among the region's most progressive animal welfare laws. Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 criminalizes animal cruelty with fines and imprisonment. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have active SPCA equivalents. Exotic pet ownership (lions, tigers, cheetahs) is regulated though enforcement challenges persist. Camel racing industry has replaced child jockeys with robot jockeys — a significant welfare improvement.
Saudi Arabia has introduced animal protection regulations in recent years, including the Animal Welfare Regulation (2018). Enforcement capacity is developing. Growing interest in companion animal welfare among urban populations. Saudi Arabia is a major live animal import destination — welfare of imported livestock is an ongoing international concern.
Jordan has established animal welfare legislation and an active NGO sector (Jordan Animal Aid). The country has significant stray dog and cat populations managed through a combination of culling and growing TNR programs. Working donkeys in rural and tourism contexts are a welfare priority area.
Lebanon has Law 34/2008 protecting animals, with penalties for cruelty. The economic crisis has severely impacted both human and animal welfare — zoo animals suffering from malnutrition gained international attention in 2020-21. Civil society organizations like Animals Lebanon operate under significant constraints.
Israel has relatively strong animal welfare legislation including the Animal Welfare Law (1994, amended). Israel has been a leader in cultivated meat research and investment. Stray cat management through TNR is widespread. Kosher slaughter without pre-stunning is permitted, creating ongoing welfare debates.
Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain have enacted animal protection laws in recent years, reflecting growing public interest particularly among younger urban populations. Falconry — a culturally significant practice — is well-regulated with strong bird welfare traditions. Pet cat and dog ownership is growing rapidly in Gulf cities.
Middle Eastern countries are the primary destination for international live animal exports from Australia, Romania, South America, and other exporting nations. Millions of sheep and cattle travel in often poor conditions on ships lasting up to 3 weeks. On arrival, slaughter in destination countries often occurs without stunning. International welfare organizations and Australian advocacy groups have pushed for import welfare standards — with the UAE and Saudi Arabia showing some openness to improved protocols.
Camels are culturally, economically, and spiritually important across the Middle East. Camel racing — involving tens of thousands of animals — has significantly improved welfare through the replacement of child jockeys with remote-controlled robot jockeys (UAE mandate 2002). Racing camels receive extensive veterinary care; working camels in less regulated contexts face greater welfare challenges.
Falconry is a UNESCO-recognized intangible heritage practice across the Gulf region. Welfare standards for captive falcons are generally high — birds receive extensive veterinary care, specialized housing, and nutrition. Capture from wild populations (now restricted) raised conservation and welfare concerns historically addressed through breeding programs.
Stray dogs and cats present significant welfare and public health challenges across the region. Traditional Islamic views on dogs have complicated stray management — some authorities favor lethal control while Islamic scholars increasingly support humane management. Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq have the most acute stray animal crises in the region.
Islamic teaching provides a rich foundation for animal welfare advocacy. The concept of rahma (mercy/compassion) extends to animals. Multiple hadith describe the Prophet Muhammad's compassion for animals — rescuing a weak camel, forbidding burdening of animals beyond their capacity, requiring sharpening of knives before slaughter. The concept of ihsan (excellence/doing good) applies to treatment of animals. Halal slaughter requirements mandate minimal pain and prohibit anything that causes unnecessary suffering before slaughter. Islamic scholars increasingly engage with contemporary welfare science to develop guidance relevant to modern contexts.