28-06-2025
Call for official stray animal shelters in Oman
MUSCAT: Nada al Balushi, a prominent Omani animal welfare advocate and veterinary sector leader, has called on stakeholders to establish official shelters for stray animals and fully implement Oman's existing animal welfare regulations.
Nada was recently honoured as Animal Advocate of the Year at the Fluxx Events Awards 2025 in Hong Kong, recognising her outstanding contributions to animal welfare and community outreach.
'We don't have an official animal shelter in the Sultanate of Oman yet — what we have is the Omani Animal Welfare Association, which is a starting point for bigger strides in future,' Nada said upon her return from Hong Kong. 'We have an Animal Welfare Law in place, but it's crucial for the community to come forward, understand it and actively work together to improve the situation.'
Though precise figures are lacking, Oman has a growing population of stray dogs and cats. Animal welfare organisations cite limited awareness and resources as major challenges in addressing the issue.
'In addition to that, we have the Rifq Clinic by Muscat Municipality, which focuses on the care and rehabilitation of stray and abandoned animals. While these are positive steps, we urgently need proper shelters and stronger regulations to ensure lasting change,' added Nada, who holds a PgCert VBM, LVT and CVBL.
Nada views the Fluxx Award as a powerful motivator to continue her mission of educating communities, empowering veterinary professionals and fostering compassion for animals.
Her citation highlights her active community outreach, promoting responsible pet ownership and mental health awareness among veterinary professionals through workshops, seminars and partnerships with rescue groups. She also serves on the advisory board of Sultan Qaboos University's veterinary technology programme.
'This award celebrates every school workshop, every awareness campaign and every conversation that brings us closer to responsible pet ownership and stronger support for veterinary professionals,' she said.
Nada also stressed the need for stricter regulation of privately run zoos in Oman, underscoring concerns about animal treatment, feeding practices and living conditions.
