Not everyone can own all types of animals at any time. Instead, the government of the UAE is committed to remaining strict while regulating the possession of animals and especially dangerous animals. Those animals that are dangerous or wild cannot be possessed under the UAE law. Check with our attorneys for documentation, procedures, and the possibility, if any reader wants to have such animals in UAE.
The UAE law explains that exotic, wild, and dangerous animals are a matter of personal, social, and legal liability or obligation. The harsh penalties are imposed on businesses and individuals who possess dangerous animals in the UAE. Those who violate the laws will be penalized.
It is essential to regulate the dangerous animals in the UAE because, in the past, people possessed exotic and wild animals like big cats, snakes, owls, predatory birds, and much more. Legal support by any law firm or even individual lawyer is much needed in such topics. UAE has good laws, jurisdiction, courts, law firms and lawyers.
Background of regulating Dangerous animals
Historically, possessing such animals was a status symbol and a sign of power and wealth. However, with time, these practices are becoming obsolete and extinct.
It gets obsolete because such practice is an existential threat to human beings.
Besides, ownership of exotic animals also leads to substantial threats to public safety. Dangerous and wild animals are prone to attacking humans, and this makes them dangerous and unpredictable.
Secondly, for the welfare and betterment of wildlife, it is better to leave them in forests, jungles, and distant places. They are not meant to be kept in an unsuitable domestic environment. Further, this practice has also eroded and adversely impacted the environmental balance of wildlife.
Non-native species can disrupt the local ecosystem. Moreover, it is a matter of fact that wild, exotic, and dangerous animals are meant to live in forests and jungles with other wildlife. The change of place is unmatched and endangers other habitats of land habitats.
The government of the UAE understands the risks, challenges, and threats and has enacted federal law. Law no 22 is dedicated to the possession, trading, and breeding of dangerous animals.
Regulating the dangerous animals within the UAE
According to the UAE law, dangerous animals are described as those that pose a threat to human life and to other animals. Wild animals mainly include lions, tigers, leopards, crocodiles, snakes, falcons, and other exotic pets that can cause harm, damage, disease, or injure human beings.
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 was introduced to protect society by regulating the possession of animals.
It safeguards the use, possession, ownership, and trade of dangerous animals. The UAE law prohibits the ownership of dangerous animals in the UAE. No one is allowed to keep dangerous animals as pets.
Only the authorized and licensed entities can keep the dangerous animals in their custody. The permission is given to zoos, wildlife reserves, safaris, and scientific research centers. Only authorized institutions in the UAE can possess dangerous animals.
Moreover, there are proper licensing requirements that entities must secure before possessing; it is crucial to adhere to the stricter security and welfare standards.
Besides, they also need to fulfill the facility standards to acquire a license.
The UAE law has stringent laws to maintain the care, shelter, and transportation of dangerous animals in the UAE. Animal welfare is given utmost priority.
Additionally, in case the animal escapes, dies, or meets with any other accident. This must be reported to the concerned authorities in the UAE.
The owner has the reporting obligations that must be met. In case of any violation, this could result in penalties. The possible rescue could be heavy charges, a jail sentence, or confiscation of animals.
The punitive measures for violation of UAE laws
The UAE enforces stringent penalties against violators of dangerous animal laws in the UAE. It ranges from hefty fines to imprisonment and even confiscation of the license or possession.
Fines normally range from AED 10,000 that goes up to AED 700,000. The fines will be dependent upon the severity of the violation. Furthermore, it may lead to imprisonment that can range from 1 month and goes up to 7 years in jail.
It can also result in seizure of vehicles, cages, or properties. In case of illegal trade or storage of animals, the authorities will take strict action.
Additionally, for licensed entities, the violation of laws and rules can lead to business closure or cancellation of the license. The exact penalty will be dependent upon the severity of the violation.
The UAE laws regarding Dog Ownership:
The domestic gods are not categorized as dangerous animals. The dog owners must obtain a license for their pet.
Besides, they need to keep the dogs on leash or muzzle them in secured or restricted places. Furthermore, the vaccination health record must be kept by the dog owner in the UAE.
According to the UAE laws, pet dogs must avoid public areas, including shopping malls, public beaches, and more.
The dog owners must adhere to the regulations because, in case of violation, strict legal recourse is taken. It may result in hefty fines, a jail sentence, or confiscation of animals.
It is always advisable to adhere to the regulations and also fulfill the documentation when keeping a pet; besides, be careful with the UAE laws to avoid any inconvenience and discomfort.
- Laws can be changed with the passage of time. Therefore, no content over the internet is for the lifetime or forever. What we suggest that consult the advocates and legal consultants for grabbing the latest information and results. It will help to understand the new rules and requirements and save the people from any wrong decisions.
