Hand over exotic pets in month’s time

Dh100,000 fine, confiscation stipulated under Sharjah ban

Exotic pet owners have one month to hand over their so- called pets to authorities under a newly announced ban on breeding and possession of wild animals smuggled into the emirate at homes and farms. Those who fail to surrender their exotic pets will be slapped with a Dh100,000 fine in addition to confiscation of the animal.

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, issued the decision on Sunday but public and private zoos, scientific and research centres and universities which obtained licences from the Environment and Natural Reserves Agency in Sharjah are exempted.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Director- General of the Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority, told Gulf News that the environment authority is working on a draft law to explain and clarify the tasks of each department in carrying out the decision. The decision gave offenders a one- month grace period to amend their position. The decision was praised by those who said they are being placed in danger by these animals. Others who own exotic pets are upset that they have to surrender their animals, Hana said.

“Yesterday, we received many calls from people ... they want to hand over their animals to us,” she said. “This week we will count the number of people who obtained these dangerous animals either in their houses or farms ... we know those people … and we will speak to them before implementing the deci- sion next month.” Hana said that the UAE has signed an international memorandum banning the trade of endangered animals and plants.

“We received a number of complaints from residents about a lion’s roar which came from a house in a residential area and could be heard from a distance... How will it be inside the house? It’s very dangerous,” she said.

Every month, the environment authority in Sharjah confiscates around 25 wild animals and reptiles, she said. This work has exhausted the budget of the authority and the staff.

People buy these animals when they are small and look cute, but when they grow up they need to be returned to the wild. People were even attacked by exotic pets and sustained injuries and permanent disabilities, she said. The Sharjah environment authority will soon launch an awareness campaign about the ban.