Sharjah: Residents in Sharjah who own exotic predatory pets have until December 23 to surrender the animals to authorities or face stiff fines.

Violators of the ban will be slapped with a Dh100,000 fine and their pets will be seized by authorities.

His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, issued a decree on November 23 to ban breeding and possession of exotic animals.

The ban on keeping exotic animals as pets exempts public and private zoos, scientific and research centres and universities, which have obtained licences from the Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Agency.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority, told Gulf News that many Sharjah residents have already handed over their exotic pets to the authorities.

However, some residents have moved their exotic pets to other emirates such as Dubai and Ajman, Hana said. Owners who have moved the animals outside Sharjah cannot be fined.

Officials have not revealed how many exotic animals were turned over by owners during the one-month grace period, but statistics are expected shortly.

Every month, the environment authority in Sharjah confiscates around 25 exotic pets and reptiles, Hana said.

So far, exotic pets handed over to the Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority include lions, tigers, leopards, reptiles, snakes, crocodiles, caracal cats and giant Amazon spiders.

Animals deposited with authorities will remain under quarantine for 40 days. Later, zoos in the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Europe will be contacted in an effort to relocate the animals in facilities that can provide proper care.

The environment authority behind the relocation has formed a committee, including representatives from Sharjah Police and Sharjah Municipality, to oversee the effort to rid the emirate of dangerous animals.

Hana pointed out that the UAE has signed an international agreement banning the trade of exotic animals and plants.

She said Dr Shaikh Sultan’s order came in response to the multiple encounters individuals have recently had with wild animals.

Others who own exotic pets are upset they have to part with their animals, but residents who had to endure them are pleased.

“We received complaints from residents about a lion’s roar which came from a house in a residential area and could be heard a fair distance away. Children were scared, especially at night. It’s very dangerous,” Hana said.

People were even attacked by exotic pets in some cases and sustained injuries and permanent disabilities, she added.