Dubai: The Ministry of Environment and Water Thursday confiscated 15 cheetahs that were illegally shipped from Somalia.
The shipment of cheetahs was not accompanied by any health certificate or document, which rendered the shipment illegal according to Federal Law No 11 of 2002 which regulates the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Abdullah Salem Al Jan'aan, executive director of Agriculture and Livestock Affairs, said the shipment was confiscated in the Al Aweer quarantine.
"The shipment was seized and necessary procedures will be taken. We will also provide the cheetahs with necessary care and install electronic chips to identify them," he added.
Cheetahs are listed in the CITES charter. Al Jan'aan pointed out that the UAE is a member of the convention and is bound to act in accordance with its terms and conditions.
Al Jan'aan also stressed that it is mandatory for any wildlife shipment to be accompanied by CITES and other health-related documents.
