Lion spotted on Riyadh street

Cairo: Saudi environment security forces had brought under control a lion, spotted on a street in the capital Riyadh, a security official said.

Acting in response to a report, the forces found the wild animal latched to a street post in a residential district in Riyadh.

“Efforts were made to neutralise danger of the animal and protect residents of the district with participation of security patrols and in coordination with the National Centre for Life to transport it to a sheltering facility,” added spokesman for the Special Forces for Environmental Security Major Rad Al Maliki. He said that investigation is under way to identify the person behind putting the lion on the street to take legal action against him.

The environment system in Saudi Arabia bans keeping wild animals. Violations are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of SR30 million.

The official urged the public to report to authorities via specific hotlines cases of illegal import, export, transport, sale or acquisition of wild animals.

In April, Saudi authorities warned against illegal rearing of predators after a lion mauled its keeper to death in Riyadh.

The illegal purchase of wild animals is believed to have thrived due to social media where they are marketed.