Authorities in Sharjah have arrested a man for trafficking and unlawfully trading protected and endangered animals, cracking down on illegal wildlife commerce and enforcing conservation laws in the region.”
“Sharjah: Individual Detained for Smuggling and Illegally Selling Endangered Wildlife”
On Sunday, November 2, Sharjah police announced the arrest of an Arab man for the illegal trafficking of protected animals within the emirate.
The suspect was apprehended following a coordinated operation by multiple authorities. He had been in possession of endangered species, including storks and foxes, which are prohibited from trade.
“Following the arrest, the seized animals were relocated to a designated nature reserve in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Nature Reserves Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.”
The suspect was handed over to the public prosecutor for further legal action.
Sharjah Police have called on residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity involving the possession or trade of protected wildlife.
The entire operation was executed by the Sharjah Police through the Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, in coordination with the General Directorate of the Federal Criminal Police at the Ministry of Interior, and in partnership with the Environment and Nature Reserves Authority.
UAE authorities have consistently taken strict measures against individuals involved in harming, trading, or trafficking protected wildlife.
In October last year, five people were detained in Abu Dhabi for illegally hunting with a falcon, after being apprehended in the North Khattam desert.
Earlier in May, Fujairah officials captured a wild cat that had been roaming a residential area near the mountains, imposing a substantial fine on its owner.
Back in 2021, Dubai Police prevented a man from attempting to sell a wolf illegally within the emirate.
In May, officials in Fujairah apprehended a wild cat that had been seen roaming a residential neighborhood close to the mountains, and the owner was hit with a substantial fine.
Back in 2021, Dubai Police prevented a man from trying to sell a wolf illegally within the emirate.
Under UAE legislation, individuals who own dangerous animals without proper registration face fines starting from Dh10,000, which can rise up to Dh500,000.
According to Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 concerning Environmental Protection, Development, and Modification, it is illegal to hunt, kill, or capture birds, wild animals, or marine creatures.
Capturing animals is only allowed after receiving authorization from the relevant authorities.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s Law No. 22 of 2005, which regulates wild hunting, forbids the hunting of animals, birds, and reptiles within the emirate unless authorized by the designated authority. This authority also sets the permitted fishing areas, specifies the species that can be fished, determines fishing seasons, and regulates the tools and equipment that may be used.
Authorities in Sharjah have cautioned residents and drivers against moving live animals in personal cars. The Sharjah Municipality advised that only vehicles with proper licenses and suitable equipment should be used for transporting animals.
