UAE authority warns against selling ill, injured animals

UAE - People selling ill or injured animals will face a fine of Dh200,000 according to the law, the Federal Public Prosecution has warned.

Prosecutors have called on people to abide by the law and to reach out to their officials through the available online communication means, including smart applications and website, if they have any queries about any law and for advice.

"The selling, offering, or trading in any ill or injured animal or one in a frail physical condition, is prohibited unless when the animal has completely recovered," said the officials on its Twitter handle.

"Article 10 of Federal Law No. 16 of 2007, regarding animal welfare, prohibits any form of animal abuse or mixing of ill animals with fine ones during display in the markets," it added.

The law stipulates that a penalty of imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year and a fine not exceeding Dh200,000 or one of these two penalties, shall be imposed on whoever commits any of the violations.

Also, the use of animals for scientific experiments without an official permit is subject to a fine between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000 and a one-year prison sentence.

Other laws related to animals

In 2016, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, issued Federal Law No?18 for 2016 to tackle cases of animal cruelty. According to the law, people who are found guilty of abusing or illegal hunting, buying or selling of animals face a one-year prison term and a fine of Dh200,000.

Further, Article 432 of the Federal Punishment Law stipulates that anyone found torturing or abusing an animal can be fined Dh10,000.

The Federal Law No. 16, concerning animal protection which was enacted in September 2007, provides that animals should not be left alone or abandoned; that they should be taken care of or supervised by enough-not suitable-people with knowledge, skills and qualifications. Both the animal and its living conditions must be checked at least once a day.

Under the law, animals are entitled to rights, including the right to have enough space enabling them to move freely, according to their needs, to be fed and watered adequately according to their age and species, and to be transported and housed safely.