Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s decision to pass a draft law that would make it illegal for people to purchase unlicensed exotic and wild animals has received the support of animal welfare experts.
The UAE’s Federal National Council passed the drafted legislation in June, with the drafted law imposing heavy penalties — imprisonment, and/or a Dh1 million fine on those found guilty of owning unlicensed and dangerous wild animals, including lions, tigers, and monkeys, among others. Owners of exotic animals are given a six-month period to comply with the law and to turn in their animal to the authorities.
The draft law also makes it illegal to own domesticated and dangerous dogs such as pitbulls and Japanese tosa dogs.
Additionally, the new law makes it compulsory for all imported animals to be registered and to carry an official certificate that has been issued and approved by UAE vets.
The draft law requires the approval of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan before it can officially pass.
The draft legislation comes as part of the UAE’s wider efforts in combating the illegal wildlife trade, which sees several exotic animals being sold and mistreated on the black market.
“As a conservation organisation it was great to hear that such legislation was made, and that this topic is being given the required attention and priority by the UAE, so it is a step in the right direction,” said Laila Abdul Latif, director-general, Emirates Wildlife Society- World Wildlife Fund Deputy.
“Having law enforcement is one of they key pillars in tackling the issue of the illegal wildlife trade, which threatens biodiversity, as well as upsetting the ecosystem. This is a global issue and the UAE has a role to play in tackling the problem,” she added.
Abdul Latif encouraged other groups and individuals to join with the efforts of the government to help curb the issue of illegal wildlife trading.
“Everybody has a role to play now that there is a greater engagement to help. Corporations and companies can play a very active role and have the opportunity to do so by partnering with non-governmental organisations.
“Society can also help by becoming ambassadors on the issue — firstly, by educating themselves on the topic and the importance of keeping wild animals in their habitats and not disrupting the ecosystem, and then to spread this awareness to other people,” she added.
Dr Susan L.J. Elliot, director of Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi, was also supportive of the legislation and said she hoped the law would be all- encompassing.
“My main concern would be on the implementation of this law — specifically what would happen to these animals once they are surrendered, but I am sure that they have most of these issues covered and under control.
“Overall I am absolutely in favour of this legislation because it shows how animal welfare is high on the agenda, and that empathy and compassion is being shown for animals,” she added.
Elliot also told Gulf News that her organisation has seen the direct negative fallout from exotic animal ownership.
“The results are not nice. All sorts of things happen. For example,l when the owners get bored with the animals,. they abandon them, so, hopefully, this can all be stopped.
“We have had to deal with cases involving baboons, raccoons, and monkeys. In many of these cases the animals were not being housed properly. There was also abuse going on and so it was a whole range of negative issues that had to be dealt with,” she added.
