People 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 to be debated by the Shura Council.
The legislation, already unanimously approved by Parliament, aims to close a long-standing legal gap by regulating the possession, breeding and trading of dangerous animals and introducing clear penalties for violations.
The Shura Council’s public utilities and environment affairs committee has recommended the law’s approval after an extensive review, describing it as a necessary step to protect both people and animals.
Committee chairman Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan said the draft strikes a balance between public safety and animal welfare.
“This law is not only about punishment,” he said. “It is about organising responsibility. It ensures that dangerous animals are kept only by qualified, licensed facilities under strict supervision, while protecting society from the serious risks that arise when such animals are kept without regulation.”
The proposed law consists of 16 articles across four chapters, setting out licensing rules, safety standards, reporting obligations and criminal penalties.
Under the draft, anyone who uses a dangerous animal to assault another person and causes permanent disability faces three to seven years in prison. If the attack results in death, the penalty rises to life imprisonment. Lesser assaults could still result in jail terms and fines of between BD1,000 and BD10,000.
Additional penalties apply to those who keep, breed, trade, display or transport dangerous animals without a licence, or who use them to intimidate people or spread fear in public.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak said the law creates, for the first time, a comprehensive legal framework to deal with a concerning issue.
“We have witnessed increasing cases of dangerous animals being kept outside any regulatory framework, which poses a real threat to lives, property and other animals,” he said. “This law establishes clear rules, firm penalties and defined responsibilities to ensure public safety and proper animal care.”
Individuals will be prohibited from owning dangerous animals. Only specialised facilities such as zoos, wildlife parks, circuses and research centres may keep them – and only after obtaining official licences and meeting strict conditions.
Licensed facilities are required to register all animals in an official record, provide appropriate veterinary care, maintain secure enclosures, ensure proper feeding, and exercise constant supervision to prevent escapes. They must also promptly report any births, deaths, diseases, escapes, or attacks, and obtain prior approval before transporting animals within Bahrain or for transit purposes.
The law gives authorities the right to seize animals kept illegally and recover the costs of sheltering and care from the responsible person. Courts may also order confiscation.
A notable addition introduced by MPs – and endorsed by the government – expands definitions in the law to include strays, roaming and abandoned animals, strengthening enforcement and clarifying accountability in cases where dangerous animals are left unattended. Anyone who finds such an animal will be required to report it to authorities, who will arrange for its capture and care.
Dr Hassan said the committee particularly welcomed this addition.
“These definitions make the law more practical and enforceable on the ground,” he noted. “They prevent ambiguity and help authorities act quickly when dangerous animals are found outside controlled environments.”
Existing holders of dangerous animals will be granted six months to regularise their status once the law comes into force.
The committee noted that while a 2023 ministerial decision banned the import of certain predatory and dangerous animals, it did not provide a full legal framework covering possession, breeding, trade and penalties – a gap this law now addresses.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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