Bird hunters get warning

Dubai Municipality has warned bird hunters, who use sharp fishing hooks and other dangerous tools to trap birds on beaches, of stringent action.

By A Staff Reporter

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Published: Tue 25 Feb 2003, 2:59 AM

Last updated: Wed 16 Nov 2022, 9:30 AM

Eng. Redha Hassan Salman, Head of the Environment Protection and Safety Section at the Environment Department, said inspectors of the section have recently found some of the tools used by bird hunters to catch sea birds on the ports and beaches in Dubai.

"Some of the hunters sell their catch, while others hunt with the intention of breeding these birds in captivity. In both the cases, they endanger the lives of these birds. We have come to know about cases of some birds being unable to eat because of the sharp tools used to catch them," Eng. Salman said.


He noted that according to Federal Decree No. 9 of 1983, hunting of wild and sea birds of various kinds including doves, orioles and small birds is banned in the UAE. The decree, Eng. Salman noted, also bans gathering or destruction of the eggs of these birds, with the exception of cormorants.

"The violators of this rule are punishable with imprisonment for a period of up to six months and a fine ranging between a minimum of Dh1000 and a maximum of Dh5000. In the event of recurrence, punishment is doubled," Eng. Salman pointed out. He added that in all cases, hunting gear, means of transport and any other tool etc. used in committing the offence will be confiscated, while an accomplice is liable to be treated at par with the principal doer, according to the law.



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