People in Bahrain who use dangerous animals to attack others could face up to seven years in prison – or life imprisonment if the victim dies – under a new draft law set for parliamentary debate.
The proposed legislation seeks to regulate the possession, breeding, and trade of dangerous animals, closing a long‑standing legal gap that previously lacked clear penalties for keeping such animals without authorisation.
The draft law is being reviewed by Parliament’s public utilities and environment committee, which has recommended its approval ahead of Tuesday’s weekly Parliament session.
Under the proposal, anyone who uses such an animal to assault another person and causes permanent disability would face three to seven years in prison, while life imprisonment would apply if the attack leads to death. If it does not result in serious injury, offenders could face imprisonment and fines ranging from BD1,000 to BD10,000, or either penalty.
Additional penalties apply to those who possess, breed, trade or display dangerous animals without a licence, as well as those who use them to intimidate people or cause public fear.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the legislation was designed to protect the public while ensuring proper care of animals.
“The proposed law establishes a clear legal framework to regulate the possession, breeding and trade of dangerous animals,” he said.
“It aims to enhance community safety and protect both people and animals from harm, while ensuring that any authorised facilities provide proper veterinary care, suitable shelter and safe handling.”
Under the draft law, individuals will be prohibited from owning dangerous animals, while specialised facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, circuses and research institutions may only keep them after obtaining official licences.
Licensed facilities must meet strict conditions, including registering animals in a national database, providing veterinary care, ensuring secure enclosures and preventing escapes.
They must also report births, deaths, diseases, escapes or attacks involving such animals, and obtain approval before transporting them.
Public utilities and environment committee chairman MP Mohammed Al Bulooshi said the law addresses a critical legislative gap.
“Our priority is protecting the safety of citizens and residents while ensuring responsible regulation of facilities that legitimately care for such animals,” he said.
The committee also recommended expanding the law’s definitions to include strays, roaming animals and abandoned animals, to improve enforcement and clarify responsibilities.
Anyone who finds a dangerous animal that is stray, roaming or abandoned must report it to the relevant authorities, which will arrange for its capture, shelter and care. Authorities will also have the right to recover the costs of sheltering and caring for confiscated animals from the responsible person, and courts may order their seizure.
Existing holders of dangerous animals will be given six months to regularise their status once the law comes into force.
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals welcomed the move, saying stronger regulation would benefit both public safety and animal welfare.
The society said clearer legal controls would help prevent irresponsible ownership, illegal trade and mistreatment of wild animals, while ensuring that any animals kept in Bahrain are handled by trained professionals in appropriate facilities.
It also stressed the importance of proper enforcement, public awareness and support for shelters and rescue organisations, noting that many dangerous or exotic animals are sometimes abandoned when owners are unable to care for them.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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