What’s being done to protect our animals?

> In November 2014, Sharjah introduced a law prohibiting the trade and possession of exotic wild animals. It stated that most wild animals cannot be reared as pets, with fines of up to Dh100,000 imposed on those keeping such animals.

> It was the first emirate to take action against the trade of exotic animals.

> More evidence that the UAE is committed towards ending illegal wildlife trade is the fact that it is a signatory of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

> And in June 2016, the Federal National Council (FNC) also passed a draft law in a bid to prevent residents from unlicensed dealing and ownership of wild and domesticated (but dangerous) animals.

The draft law stipulates:

1. Only zoos, wildlife parks, and breeding and research centres can keep wild or exotic animals.

2. Cases of wild animals being kept as pets should be reported to police.

3. Residents parading exotic pets such as cheetahs and lions out in public will be fined between Dh10,000 and Dh500,000.

4. Using animals as a threat to another’s life or as a tool of intimidation will results in either a Dh700,000 fine and/or jail time.

5. If a person is killed by an animal, manslaughter charges can be brought against owner.

The Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) is also seeking an issuance of a new federal law in the UAE to ban and confiscate predators from residences. Those who fail to do so will face a fine of Dh30,000 or a one month prison sentence for each animal.