(WAM Photo)
Four lions, a lioness, three pythons, and two crocodiles have been removed from residences in Sharjah this year by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).
Hana Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the EPAA, emphasised that the removal of the animals is in keeping with the directives of Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, regarding confiscation of predators and dangerous animals and providing them with suitable environments.
The decree of prohibition and confiscation of predators and dangerous animals in Sharjah imposes a fine of AED100,000 on the owners of predatory animals that are determined to be a danger to other people in the vicinity.
However, owners will not have to pay the fine if they voluntarily hand over their predatory animals, she explained.
Only three people voluntarily handed over their animals since the beginning of 2016, following the enactment of the law.
She also said that the first phase of establishing the Predators Shelter and Care Center on 27,000 square kilometers of land in Sharjah Desert Park has begun.