Dubai: Local rules and the international convention on importing animals are not in sync both require permits to move animals from country to country, but nothing in the UAE law forbids individuals to keep wild animals, according to the WWF.

However, an animal cannot be imported without a permit from CITES, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, said Frederic Launay, director of WWF in the UAE.

"CITES does not allow individuals to possess protected animals, but there is nothing in the local law that forbids individuals from keeping wild animals. There are hundreds of wild animals in the UAE," said Launay.

"Wild animals need space and they pose a threat for people in the vicinity. It's totally unacceptable. Why is there this need to have a lion instead of a dog?" asked Launay.

He said private collections were common in the UAE, but aspects such as legality and animal welfare have to be considered.

"Legally it is important to know how the animals were obtained, either from the wild or if they have been bought from a zoo. Permits given by CITES concentrate only on import and export. If you have a legally acquired permit the presence of animals in the UAE cannot be challenged," said Launay.

Theory and practice

"Theoretically, the importing country must have the name of the person or zoo the animal is destined for and must check the conditions and facilities. Only once the inspection shows that adequate care will be given can they issue the permit," said Launay.

Once the exporting country receives this permit, they can issue the export permit. However there is nothing to stop a person importing a lion to put on a farm who then decides to give it away to someone who has only a small piece of land or no land at all, or who alternatively could sell the lion.

According to a source from the Ministry of Environment and Water, nobody can import an animal without the permission of the ministry, which houses CITES.

"When an animal comes through customs, international standards are followed. Animals are protected by CITES," he said.

He said some laws were being processed to include CITES and other regulatory bodies to monitor incoming animals.

"It is our responsibility not to allow anybody to get animals without a licence," he said.

"Inspectors are there to stop smuggling and animals without licences are quarantined," he added.