Three arrested for hunting gazelle in animal reserve

Abu Dhabi: Police arrested three men for allegedly hunting a gazelle at an animal reserve in Al Ain's Hier area.

The three suspects were identified as: A.M., 26; A.A. 34 and S.H., 28.

They denied the charge, insisting they were training their two Saluki dogs to run in competitions.

Brigadier General Umair Mohammad Al Muhairi, Director of the Capital's Police said that Al Ain police received a report from the Animal Friends Society, which supervises the animal reserve, saying they have saved a gazelle and returned it to the reserve after a night-hunting chase by a four-wheel-drive pick-up with three suspects inside the vehicle.

Al Ain police immediately circulated the description of the vehicle and three suspects were soon identified.

Animal rescuers found signs of a fight between dogs and a gazelle, which indicates a previous hunting incident.

They surveyed and monitored the area until the four-wheel pick-up emerged, with three unidentified people inside.

Two Saluki dogs were brought down from the vehicle to chase the gazelle.

The suspects allegedly blindfolded the gazelle and placed it in the boot of their vehicle.

The animal rescuers followed the four-wheel-drive pick-up, caught the two Saluki dogs and rescued the gazelle as well.

Al Muhairi said the UAE is keen on preserving all forms of wildlife through establishing reserves, adding that hunting these protected animals is illegal.