The first accident occurred on Monday in the Duqm province of Al Wusta Governorate, in central Oman, when two Omanis were travelling in their car, which rammed into a stray camel, killing them instantly.
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Muscat: Three Omanis were killed in two horrific traffic accidents involving stray camels across the country over the past two days, according to the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
The first accident occurred on Monday in the Duqm province of Al Wusta Governorate, in central Oman, when two Omanis were travelling in their car, which rammed into a stray camel, killing them instantly. The two deceased hailed from Rustaq in the northern part of Oman and were heading to their work when the accident took place.
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In the second accident, another Omani was also killed after his vehicle collided with a stray camel in the wilayat of Ibra in the Sharqiyah Governorate on Sunday. The man died on the spot.
Such incidents have sparked a massive uproar on social media, with many users criticising the practice of leaving loose camels on the roads. Many users have previously urged the relevant authorities to impose hefty penalties on the owners of these stray camels, who allow them to roam freely on roads. This poses a significant risk to motorists, particularly when visibility is low or when some roads lack proper lighting.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to curb camel-related traffic accidents, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources issued a decision outlining processes for the seizure of stray or neglected animals. Camels and other animals found to be wandering can be rounded up, and their owners may face fines of up to 100 riyals for their collection, in addition to daily boarding costs.
### 17% increase in collisions
According to data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), Oman saw a 17 per cent increase in vehicle collisions involving stray animals in 2023. These incidents led to the death of 19 people and injured another 40.
The decision stipulates that any stray or neglected animals, including camels, horses, cows, goats, and sheep, as well as any animal that its owner or guardian has allowed to wander without supervision, are prohibited from grazing in cities or residential villages. They must also be kept at least one kilometre away from main roads or half a kilometre from secondary roads.
The competent municipality must set up sheds to seize stray or neglected animals, provide food and water, and care for any animal that has been seized. Infected animals must be isolated and receive necessary treatment under the guidance of a veterinarian.
Additionally, any person who finds a loose or neglected animal on their property, farm, store, facility, or land, or who suffers damage to their property as a result, may personally hand the animal over to the keeper of stray or neglected animals.
Each municipality will maintain a register containing details about the person who delivered the animal, the date of its delivery, its type, and its description.
_Fahad Al Mukrashi is a freelance journalist based in Muscat._
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