Research On Wildlife Welfare Statutes And Public Awareness In Ua
I. Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made major progress in wildlife protection and animal welfare over the past two decades. As part of its environmental sustainability and modernization goals, the UAE established strict legislation to protect animals from cruelty, restrict illegal wildlife trade, and promote public awareness about responsible pet ownership and wildlife conservation.
The main laws regulating animal and wildlife welfare in the UAE are:
Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 on Animal Welfare.
Federal Law No. 18 of 2016, which amends and strengthens the 2007 law.
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 regulating the possession of dangerous animals.
Ministerial Resolution No. 476 of 2018, providing executive regulations for implementation.
These laws are enforced by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and local municipalities, such as the Dubai Municipality and Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).
II. Wildlife Welfare Statutes: Key Provisions
1. Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 (Animal Welfare Law)
Protects all animals, whether domestic or wild, from cruelty, neglect, or abuse.
Imposes duties of care on owners to provide food, shelter, and veterinary care.
Prohibits abandonment or cruel killing of animals.
Offenders may face imprisonment and fines ranging from AED 10,000 to AED 500,000.
2. Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 (Dangerous Animals Law)
Bans private ownership of wild, exotic, or dangerous animals such as lions, cheetahs, snakes, and certain dog breeds.
Only zoos, wildlife parks, and licensed research centers can keep such animals.
Provides severe penalties for using animals to harm people or display them publicly as symbols of wealth or power.
In extreme cases leading to human injury or death, penalties can include life imprisonment.
3. Public Awareness Initiatives
The UAE government runs public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets and the importance of reporting cruelty. Schools, social media, and public programs encourage responsible behavior and conservation ethics.
III. Case Law and Enforcement Examples
Below are six significant cases illustrating how the UAE enforces its wildlife welfare and animal protection statutes.
Case 1: Illegal Sale of Wild Animals in Dubai (2021)
Facts:
Two men were caught trying to sell a fox and a monkey in Dubai. The sale was arranged online, and undercover officers conducted a sting operation.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 prohibits trading, selling, or exhibiting dangerous wild animals without a license.
Judgment:
The men were fined and the animals were confiscated and sent to a licensed rescue center. The offenders faced potential imprisonment, but fines were imposed since no harm was caused to the public.
Significance:
This case highlighted the UAE’s zero-tolerance approach to the illegal wildlife trade and the active enforcement of wildlife welfare laws through police and municipal coordination.
Case 2: Confiscation of Wild Animals in Sharjah (2020)
Facts:
Environmental inspectors discovered private farms in Sharjah where residents were keeping wolves, big cats, and exotic birds without authorization.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 and Sharjah Executive Council Resolution No. 30 of 2014 (local implementation law).
Judgment:
Authorities confiscated sixteen animals and imposed heavy fines of up to AED 100,000 on each violator. The animals were relocated to the Sharjah Breeding Centre for Endangered Species.
Significance:
This case demonstrated how Emirate-level agencies enforce federal wildlife laws and protect biodiversity from illegal captivity.
Case 3: Dangerous Dog Attack Case (2018)
Facts:
A resident in Abu Dhabi kept a banned dog breed that escaped and attacked a child, causing severe injuries.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 and the implementing regulations on dangerous animals.
Judgment:
The owner was charged for keeping a prohibited animal and failing to control it. The court sentenced the owner to imprisonment for three months and imposed a fine of AED 50,000. The animal was euthanized humanely under veterinary supervision.
Significance:
This case was crucial in emphasizing owner responsibility and the legal requirement for registering and leashing pets.
Case 4: Cheetah Ownership on Social Media (2017)
Facts:
A social media influencer posted videos showing herself walking a cheetah on a leash in a residential area of Dubai.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 bans public display or private possession of exotic animals.
Judgment:
The influencer was fined AED 500,000, and the cheetah was seized by authorities. The court also warned against using wild animals for fame or social media attention.
Significance:
This case became widely discussed in the UAE, reinforcing the message that wild animals are not pets or fashion statements.
Case 5: Neglect of Farm Animals in Al Ain (2019)
Facts:
Animal welfare inspectors found a farm in Al Ain where goats and camels were starving and left without medical care. Several animals died from dehydration.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 and Federal Law No. 18 of 2016 (amendments to animal welfare).
Judgment:
The farmer was convicted for neglect and cruelty to animals. The court fined him AED 100,000 and ordered him to cover veterinary treatment costs for surviving animals.
Significance:
This case was important for showing that animal welfare laws apply not only to exotic species but also to livestock and domestic animals.
Case 6: Illegal Bird Trade at Border (2015)
Facts:
Customs officials at the UAE border intercepted a truck smuggling endangered falcons and parrots from a neighboring country.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 and UAE’s commitment to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
Judgment:
The smuggler was sentenced to six months in prison and fined AED 200,000. The birds were handed over to the Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi for rehabilitation.
Significance:
This case illustrated the UAE’s active role in combating transnational wildlife trafficking and its compliance with international conservation obligations.
Case 7: Abandonment of Pets in Desert (2022)
Facts:
Residents reported that a group of pet dogs had been left abandoned in a desert area outside Dubai. Several animals were dehydrated and weak.
Law Applied:
Federal Law No. 18 of 2016 (amendment to the Animal Welfare Law).
Judgment:
The owner was traced through microchip registration. The court imposed a fine of AED 50,000 and banned the individual from owning pets for three years.
Significance:
This case promoted public awareness about the cruelty of abandonment and the effectiveness of mandatory pet microchipping in enforcement.
IV. Public Awareness and Institutional Role
Public Education Campaigns:
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment conducts national campaigns to inform residents about wildlife protection laws. Schools, media outlets, and community programs highlight ethical treatment of animals.
Municipal Reporting Hotlines:
Municipalities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah operate hotlines and mobile apps where people can report cases of abuse or illegal ownership.
Community Partnerships:
The UAE collaborates with animal rescue organizations and private shelters to provide care for confiscated or abandoned animals.
Penalties as Deterrence:
The large fines and imprisonment terms serve as strong deterrents, creating both fear of punishment and a sense of moral duty toward animal protection.
V. Conclusion
The UAE’s wildlife and animal welfare framework demonstrates a strong legal and ethical stance on animal protection. Through Federal Laws No. 16 and 22, the country has successfully integrated conservation, welfare, and public awareness into national policy.
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