Muscat – To curb the menace of stray camels and ensuing road accidents, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources launched a project on Monday to provide high visibility straps and reflective collars in North Batinah, financed by Renaissance.

Abdullah Mohammed al Hadabi, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Batinah, informed that a total of 10,656 reflective straps will be put on camels in the governorate.

He explained that the straps will warn road users of the animals’ presence at night. “The straps are water and heat resistant, ensuring longevity of the project.”

According to Hadabi, the ministry will launch a two-week awareness campaign among camel breeders in the governorate requesting them to put the straps and collars on their camels.

“The initiative aims to educate breeders about the dangers of stray camels in the governorate and reduce traffic accidents,” Hadabi said.

Data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information show that in 2021, 11 people died and 45 others were injured when vehicles collided with stray camels. Dhofar recorded the highest number of such accidents – 20 – in 2021.

Oman has a camel population of 242,833, with Dhofar having the highest number (145,875), followed by North Sharqiyah (21,577).

In 2021, the Ministry of Interior issued a decision (No 164/2021) amending some provisions for the confinement of stray or neglected animals. The definition of stray or neglected animals now includes camels, horses, cows, goats, sheep and any other animal left by its owner or guardian to wander without supervision.

Municipalities of every governorate have been empowered to collect a daily fee from owners of stray or neglected animals in return of the services provided to these animals.

Municipalities can impose a fine on violators of RO15 per day for a camel, horse or cow, and RO5 per day for goats, sheep or any other small animal found wandering. The fine is doubled in the event of a repeat violation.