The image of a wolf-like dog stirred panic among residents of Al Bithnah in Fujairah after pictures circulated on social media on Wednesday.
Many people thought it was a wolf and demanded the authorities find the animal as it could pose a danger to children and adults, but experts have confirmed that it is only an old dog.
One resident said on Instagram that the photo clearly shows a wolf and the authorities should take immediate action, while another asked the authorities to explain exactly what animal appears in the photo.
Another rumour surfaced online saying that Fujairah municipality is searching for Al Bithnah wolf and has advised people to stay away for their own safety, but the municipality denied the statement on their Instagram account.
"We deny the rumour that has circulated about the search for 'Al Bithnah wolf' and therefore we appeal for people to contact the concerned authority to obtain the correct information, which is built on accurate scientific grounds, directly from the source,” said the municipality.
______________
Read more:
[ Deadly red-back spiders on the rise in the UAE — and they are biting ]
Abandoned Abu Dhabi cat Gussy receives 'overwhelming' response from readers
______________
Mohammed Al Zyoudi, a resident in the area, said that the animal does not look like a wolf.
“I received four photos of the animal and it is definitely a dog not a wolf, but maybe the photo that was posted on social media made the dog look like a wolf,” said Mr Al Zyoudi.
Another resident said that there are no wolves in the area.
“This is a horrible rumour that can make many people restless and worried. I live in the area and I have never seen a wolf before, people should not share such things on social media unless they are one hundred per cent sure, and then only to make people aware,” said Saeed Al Kaabi.
Dr Chenjerai Sigauke, medical manager of Ras al Khaimah Animal Welfare Centre, identified the animal as a mixed breed old dog.
“It’s definitely not a wolf. It’s a mixed breed old dog,” he said.
