Boy deported for giving camel electric shock

A boy who shocked a racing camel with an electronic device to boost its performance is to be deported.

A 17-year-old boy caught shocking a racing camel with an electronic device, in an attempt to boost the animal's performance, will be deported after serving a one and a half month prison sentence, the Al Ain Court of Appeals has said. The boy, referred to only by his initials, ASW, confessed to the crime after being caught earlier this month. His prison sentence was reduced as he was under the age of 18 when he committed the offence. According to WAM, the state news agency, he is a resident of the UAE and a national of a "neighbouring country".

"The ruling falls in line with the determination of Abu Dhabi emirate and the UAE as a whole to implement the laws pertaining to animal protection from mistreatment," WAM said in its report. The court of appeal also confiscated the camel and the shocking device. ASW was charged under the violation of Abu Dhabi's federal rules and regulations observed in camel racing events, dating back to 2005. [e-mail]