Saudi set to issue animal protection law

Persons mistreating animals and birds in Saudi Arabia could be fined up to SR400,000 (Dh390,000) and have their firm shut permanently when a new protection law is enforced, a newspaper reported on Monday.

The Saudi Ministry of Agriculture has enacted the law which affects all animals and birds in the Gulf kingdom, including livestock, pets, wild animals, birds and fish.

The cabinet has endorsed the law and it is expected to be enforced soon in line with an agreement among all Gulf countries, which will also enact such laws.

“The law affects all companies and places where animals and birds are kept as pets or for breeding, slaughtering or other purposes…all public and private places are affected by the law,” the Saudi Arabic language daily Aleqtisadiah said.

“The law involves a fine of SR400,000 and the permanent closure of any company found to be offending these legislations four times through the year,” the paper said, adding that it had obtained a copy of the law.

It said the legislations would force all birds and animals owners to provide adequate living conditions to these creatures and to ensure they will not be harmed or dealt with cruelty or savagery. “The law stresses that all owners must avoid causing any pain or suffering to their animals or birds and to provide enough qualified workers for them.”
 

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