Sur – The South Sharqiyah governorate has launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at reducing traffic accidents caused by stray camels and strengthening road safety across the governorate.

Held under the slogan ‘Protecting Lives is a Shared Responsibility and a Legal and Religious Duty’, the initiative seeks to raise awareness among camel owners and motorists about preventive measures to avoid accidents, particularly on highways and desert roads where camels frequently wander onto carriageways.

Officials said the campaign forms part of broader efforts by local authorities to promote a culture of responsibility and enhance cooperation between the community and relevant institutions in protecting lives and property.

As part of the initiative, camel owners are urged to ensure their animals are properly secured in designated enclosures and not left to roam unattended. They are also encouraged to use identification devices and reflective or luminous straps that improve the visibility of camels to drivers, particularly at night when the risk of collisions increases.

Motorists, meanwhile, are advised to exercise greater caution when driving through desert and rural areas, adhere strictly to speed limits and remain alert for animals crossing or standing near roadways.

The campaign will make extensive use of digital platforms and social media to disseminate safety messages. Informational materials will also be distributed, while awareness signage will be installed along major highways and in areas with heavy traffic.

Officials stressed that negligence in controlling livestock can lead to serious accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities, making community cooperation essential to addressing the issue.

Nasser Al Housni, a road safety specialist, said installing luminous or reflective straps on camels is a simple but highly effective preventive measure.

“These straps reflect vehicle headlights, allowing drivers to spot animals from a much greater distance, especially at night when most accidents occur,” he said.

Badr Al Rawahi, a resident of South Sharqiyah, added that camel owners must play a key role in protecting lives.

“Using luminous straps or reflective markers on camels can significantly reduce collisions on highways and desert roads,” he said.

The initiative also highlights existing regulations governing stray or neglected animals.

In June 2021, the Ministry of Interior issued Ministerial Decision No 164/2021, amending provisions related to the confinement of stray or neglected animals. The decision includes camels, horses, cows, goats, sheep and any other animal left by its owner or guardian to wander without supervision.

Under the regulations, municipalities are authorised to impose fines and service fees on owners whose animals are found roaming unattended. A fine of RO15 per day may be imposed for each stray camel, horse or cow, while RO5 per day may be levied for goats, sheep or other small animals.

In addition, the competent municipality may impose a separate fine of RO20 on the owner of a stray or neglected animal, with the penalty doubled in the event of a repeated violation.

Authorities expressed hope that the campaign will help reduce camel-related road accidents and encourage greater responsibility among livestock owners, ultimately contributing to a safer road environment across South Sharqiyah governorate.