Rabbits infest Dubai's Palm Jumeirah; cages set to trap them

There is one thing that is troubling residents of Canal Cove villas on Palm Jumeirah these days and that's rabbits on the loose.

Nakheel, the master developer of Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Municipality have set up cages to catch these small mammals following residents voicing concerns about rabbits affecting the landscaping within the common areas of the community.

“Therefore, in conjunction with Dubai Municipality, we have taken steps to alleviate this issue, starting at Canal Cove JK continuing to other affected areas,” the developer said in an email to residents.

The exercise that began earlier this week involves enticing the rabbits into cages before handing the animals over to the Dubai Municipality.

“The rabbits will not be harmed in the process,” the notice said, urging residents to resist approaching or tampering with the cages once the animals are inside.

Municipality guidelines will be fully adhered to throughout this exercise, the developer said.

In 2013, Emaar Properties, the master-developer of Emirates Living, removed ducks from lakes near Deema 3 and Deema 4 in The Lakes community.

“The duck population in Emirates Living has expanded significantly in the past months and whilst it is fun to feed and watch the ducks, they are not good for the well-being of the community.

“Ducks may spread diseases from visiting local bird population,” it had said.