Sharjah: Residents are being urged to keep an eye out for exotic animals in their neighbourhoods, and report people suspected of housing such species.
The call came following an overwhelming response from readers who were appalled by the ease with which exotic animals could be bought, as highlighted in a Gulf News undercover investigation.
The report revealed that a range of exotic animals, including baboons, cheetahs and lions, were available at the Sharjah Bird and Animal Market. A baby Nile crocodile was purchased. On Tuesday, Harry the baby crocodile was handed to Dubai Zoo.
"If a person hears strange animal noises coming from their neighbour's house, or know anybody selling or keeping exotic animals illegally then they have responsibility in notifying the municipality," said a senior official at Sharjah Municipality.
Complaint
Residents who have suspicions should call the Sharjah Municipality's hotline on 993.
Once a resident lodges a complaint, the customer service representative will forward the information onto the Security Section.
The officials are then required to verify whether the animal in question is endangered and whether the owners have an import and export permit registered with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
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"If it is a dangerous animal or illegally owned, then the Security Section will confiscate it and transfer the animal to the relevant authority," said the official.
Non-dangerous animals are usually sent to the zoo at Al Jazeera Park.
"But if they are very big or dangerous, like a snake, they will be sent to the Sharjah Desert Park," he said.
According to the municipality official, it is difficult for inspectors to know where endangered or illegal animals are kept because the most common place to hide them would be in private gardens in Al Dhaid.
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"There are people who have homes and gardens in Al Dhaid, and we cannot know what is being kept in their residences. That is why the public are urged to keep a watch-out for any animals that are not normally kept as pets."
Hotline
To report exotic animals being kept as pets in Sharjah, ring the hotline on 993.
