ABU DHABI // Two draft laws, one protecting the welfare of wild animals and the other controlling their ownership, are expected to be passed by the Federal National Council on Monday.
An FNC committee has been revising the draft bills since the beginning of the year, with many amendments being made, said Dubai member Azza bin Suleiman.
Amendments to the 2007 animal welfare law would ensure keepers are preserving animal’s health and wellbeing as well as protecting them. The updated law would also cover scientific use of animals and the quality of their shelters.
The FNC committee that discussed the new draft has called for adding a ban on private ownership of wild animals to the law to avoid abuse and trafficking, said Fujairah member Faisal Al Dhabbahi.
The draft includes a range of fines, from Dh10,000 to Dh500,000, for offenders, with jail terms another option.
Recommendations set by the interior and defence committee on “protecting society from drugs” is also expected to be brought up on Monday. The issue was discussed thoroughly with the Minister of Interior, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, when he attended an FNC session earlier this month. Once the recommendations are discussed and finalised by the council, they will be raised with the Government.
A new procedure to regulate the work flow and attendance of FNC members will be brought up. The council’s Speaker, Dr Amal Al Qubaisi, had voiced concerns about low turnouts during committee meetings, which she said was unfair on the members who did attend as it placed a heavier burden on them.
hdajani@thenational.ae
