Sharjah dangerous pet amnesty ends on Tuesday

In November, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Ruler of Sharjah, issued an administrative order prohibiting residents of the emirate from owning dangerous predators.

A cheetah that was captured after it was found prowling the streets of Sharjah in 2010. Courtesy Kevin Budd / Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife
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SHARJAH // Owners of dangerous pets must hand them into authorities by Tuesday or face penalties.

After this date, anyone who is found to be illegally in possession of a banned animal will be fined Dh100,000.

In November, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Ruler of Sharjah, issued an administrative order prohibiting residents of the emirate from owning dangerous predators.

The order excludes licensed public and private zoos, scientific research centres and universities.

Hana Al Swaidi, head of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, said: “The deadline for handing over the animals to the authority is December 23. The order came after numerous reported incidents from people raising the illegally obtained dangerous pets at their homes.

“The animals are a huge threat to the safety of the residents in the emirate. The ban will make sure that no one will be hurt again.”

tzriqat@thenational.ae