Dubai: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have slapped a hefty fine of 67,000 Saudi riyals (US $17,865) on camel owners who performed cosmetic surgery on their livestock.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture imposed the fines after it discovered that five people violated a number of animal welfare laws.
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According to the Saudi Press Agency, the offenders were fined for selling sick animals to customers, failing to provide proper living conditions for their animals, and carrying out illegal Botox procedures on camels to give them poutier lips.
The ministry confirmed that residents who abuse animals and violate animal welfare laws will be heavily penalised and face stern repercussions.
Camels play an important part in the heritage of Gulf countries and are one of the most prized animals in the region.
Camel races and camel beauty pageants are a favourite recreation for citizens, and some animals fetch millions of dollars at auctions in the country.
During a camel beauty pageant, camels walk down the racetrack and are judged on their lips, cheeks, heads and knees.
Beauty competition
In a camel beauty pageant, judges look for these top four factors:
Lips should be hanging down
Hump should be large and round
Ears should be long and sharp
Hooves should be large and round
