Saturday, Jan 21, 2012
Gulf News
Ajman Breeding and keeping wild animals and reptiles will no longer be allowed in Ajman and violators will be slapped with a Dh10,000 fine in addition to confiscation of the species.
Shaikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Head of Ajman Municipality and Planning Directorate, has issued a decision banning the breeding of wild animals and reptiles at homes.
The decision has been taken to protect the community from the risks and damages associated with breeding wild animals and reptiles and also to preserve public interest in the emirate.
Offenders may also be forced to pay compensation to anyone injured or attacked by their animals. Khalid Mo’en Al Hosani, Executive Director of Public Health and Environment, said the new decision ensured the safety of people living in the Emirate.
Inspections
Engineer Humaid Al Mualla, Director of the Public Health and Environment Department, said that the department will also inspect markets which sell prohibited animals.
The municipality is also co-operating with the Ajman Education Zone to help create awareness of animal rights, and of the dangers of keeping wildlife at home.
Animals such as crocodile, monkeys, snakes, cheetahs, lizards and lion cubs have been found in homes.
The decision came after a number of incidents involving animals troubled residents. A crocodile which had been kept at a home recently escaped and created panic among the residents of Mushairef area in Ajman.
The reptile was finally caught and taken to the zoo. The Ajman Municipality, during the first six months of 2011 caught 72 stray and wild animals from streets of the emirate.
A two-year-old Emarati girl was rescued by her family’s housemaid as she was attacked by a lion cub which had been bred in Ajman.
A monkey which escaped from a house in Al Naiumah area created panic among people.
By Aghaddir Ali ?Staff Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
