Sharjah - Two monkeys were also rescued in a raid conducted by the police.
Published: Thu 5 Sep 2019, 7:04 PM
They seemed uncared for and looked terrified when the Environments and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) and Sharjah Police raided the place housing them illegally. A white lion cub, two tiger cubs and two monkeys were seized and rescued from being sold on social media portals.
After receiving a tip-off some time back, the EPAA officers had put the suspect on surveillance before they swooped down on his house and found the animals he was holding.
Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, EPAA Chairperson, said: "With cooperation from Sharjah Police, we managed to confiscate the five animals - three of them predators. We have been keeping tabs on the offender, until we finally arrested him. EPAA is continuously working to rein in violators, and check such acts that not only violate the laws, but seriously harms the environment."
Al Suwaidi explained that the confiscation of dangerous and predatory animals takes place only after making sure there is concrete evidence, since they also receive complaints that are malicious. "EPAA can take up to two or three months to act on a complaint before ascertaining it is genuine. The process of confiscating dangerous and predatory animals begins after securing search warrant from the public prosecution."
Al Suwaidi added the EPAA seizes predators with the aim to ensure people's safety. He pointed out that the animals should be housed in centers prepared to give special care to such animals. The authority owns a shelter and care center in the Desert Park, covering an area of 27,000 square meters.
EPAA had previously seized four lions, one lioness, three pythons and two crocodiles, Al Suwaidi said and pointed out that the rule imposes a strict fine of Dh100,000 on anyone who harbours predators that could harm people. Whoever voluntarily hands over any dangerous animals that he has raised, will subsequently avoid the fine, Al Suwaidi added.
A Staff Reporter
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