His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has issued a decision banning the possession of wild animals smuggled into the emirate at homes and farms. The authorities have given a duration of one month to hand over their so-called pets to authorities. Those who do not surrender the exotic pets will be fined AED 100,000 (Nearly USD 27250) in addition to confiscation of the animal. However public and private zoos, scientific and research centres and universities which obtained licences from the Environment and Natural Reserves Agency in Sharjah are exempted.

Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority is working on the necessary laws to enforce this decision. The decision has given offenders a one-month grace period only. The decision has drawn admiration from environmentalists and animal lovers.

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority said many people have already called them to follow the procedures. She said that the UAE has signed an international memorandum banning the trade of animals and plants that are threatened with extinction. Every month, the environment authority in Sharjah confiscated around 25 wild animals and reptiles, she said.

It is strange that people buy these animals which look cute when they are small. When they grow up, the owners cannot care for such animals properly affecting their growth. Also the neighbors  will be scared by possession of such wild pets. People were even attacked by exotic pets in some cases and received injuries and permanent disabilities, she said. Confiscated animals were handed over to zoos in the UAE and neighboring countries.

The Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority will soon launch an awareness campaign also through audio and visual media to make people aware about the new ban, Hana said.