The Pearl Island is tightening its approach to community animal welfare, moving from ad hoc feeding towards managed colonies, identification and sterilisation, backed by a growing network of residents.
The United Development Company (UDC), master developer of The Pearl and Gewan Islands, said that 29 cat colonies are monitored, with controlled feeding, water and regular care co-ordinated through an approved animal welfare group and registered volunteers.
The UDC said that abandoning cats and dogs is prohibited across the Island, with monitoring and awareness measures in place, and violations may be subject to penalties or legal action.
“There is always a responsible alternative to abandonment,” the UDC said, pointing residents towards pet sitters, boarding facilities, rehoming assistance and welfare support when circumstances make pet ownership difficult.
The UDC said responsible ownership also includes ensuring pets can be traced if they go missing.
It has committed support for up to 2,000 microchips for cats and 2,000 for dogs for residents of The Pearl and Gewan Islands.
A major part of the programme is Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR), through which community cats are trapped, neutered and returned to their managed colonies.
According to the UDC, 185 cats underwent TNR in 2025, and another 87 in 2026.
The company said the programme helps curb population growth, improve animal health and reduce distress.
A total of 157 residents of The Pearl and Gewan Islands have registered as volunteers, contributing to colony monitoring and feeding.
The UDC has provided 100 food and water bowls and introduced dry cat-food donation boxes at six retail locations across The Pearl.
Donations are collected and distributed by welfare volunteers to designated colonies.
The company said only the approved welfare group is authorised to co-ordinate feeding, warning that “random or unstructured feeding” can create hygiene, environmental and health concerns and interfere with population monitoring.
The UDC said its approach centres on “responsible pet ownership” and “humane colony management”, with the aim of making animal welfare a shared responsibility.
While residents can contribute food through designated collection points, the emphasis remains on controlled feeding, sterilisation, identification and responsible ownership.
Donation boxes are available at Monoprix Tower 14, Medina Centrale and Floresta Gardens, SPAR Qanat Quartier, LuLu Giardino Village and Mall 04, La Plage South.