Any observer of social media will notice that the trend for keeping exotic animals in private homes is alive and well. Pictures of endangered and dangerous “pets” continue to appear on Instagram. The authorities continue to receive complaints about wild animals in neighbourhoods.
Sharjah has taken bold action to tackle this issue. Last November, the emirate issued a ban on owning dangerous predators in residential areas, allowing only public and private zoos, scientific research centres and universities to keep them, and only after obtaining the required licence. The decree by the Ruler of Sharjah, also offered a one-month amnesty for exotic pet owners in the emirate to give up their banned animals without facing a Dh100,000 fine. After the amnesty was over, the authorities cracked down on owners, confiscating a number of wild animals, including leopards, baboons, hyenas, crocodiles, lynx and wolves. Last Sunday, as The National reported, the authorities continued their campaign, seizing a lioness from a residence in Al Qarain.
While this was a good step, the one-month amnesty was clearly not enough to get everyone on board. This is why, perhaps, the amnesty should be extended and be accompanied by a greater awareness campaign targeting both pet shops and the public about the heavy fines and prison sentences that await those who fall foul of the law. This would allow more people to be properly informed about the regulations and come forward to legally give up their animals.
The Ministry of Environment and Water announced it has drafted a new bill on the regulation and possession of wild predators. But laws usually take a long time to come into force. In the meantime, the rest of the country should follow Sharjah in the fight against this dangerous practice, which not only affects the well-being and conservation of wild animals, but also poses health risks to their owners and raises safety concerns in the community.
