Cabinet Resolution No. (15) of 2019
Concerning the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (22) of 2016 Regulating the Possession of Dangerous Animals
Article (1) — Scope of Application
This Resolution shall apply to all dangerous animals kept in the country, regardless of their species, origin, or purpose of possession, whether for personal, commercial, scientific, or any other purposes.
Article (2) — Definitions
For the purposes of this Resolution, the following terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them below:
Dangerous Animal: Any animal, whether wild or domesticated, that poses a threat to human life, health, or property, or to other animals, due to its inherent nature, size, strength, venom, aggressive behavior, or any other characteristic that may cause harm. This includes, but is not limited to, large carnivores, venomous reptiles, certain primate species, and any other animal designated as such by the competent authority.
Competent Authority: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, or any other local or federal government entity authorized to regulate the possession, breeding, trade, and care of dangerous animals.
Owner: Any natural or legal person who possesses, keeps, breeds, trades, or is otherwise responsible for a dangerous animal, whether temporarily or permanently.
License: A formal authorization issued by the Competent Authority permitting the possession, breeding, trade, or any other regulated activity involving dangerous animals, subject to the conditions and requirements stipulated in this Resolution and its Executive Regulations.
Facility: Any premises, enclosure, or designated area where dangerous animals are kept, bred, traded, or exhibited, including zoos, animal parks, breeding centers, rehabilitation centers, scientific research institutions, and private residences.
Executive Regulations: The detailed rules, procedures, and guidelines issued by the Competent Authority to implement the provisions of this Resolution.
Article (3) — Prohibition of Unlicensed Possession
- No person shall possess, breed, trade, transport, or exhibit any dangerous animal without obtaining a valid license from the Competent Authority, in accordance with the provisions of this Resolution and its Executive Regulations.
- Any dangerous animal found in the possession of an unlicensed person shall be confiscated by the Competent Authority, and the owner shall be subject to the penalties prescribed by law.
Article (4) — Licensing Requirements
- The Competent Authority shall establish a comprehensive licensing system for the possession, breeding, trade, transport, and exhibition of dangerous animals.
- Applicants for a license must meet the following general requirements, in addition to any specific requirements stipulated in the Executive Regulations: a. Be of legal age and possess full legal capacity. b. Demonstrate adequate knowledge and experience in the care, handling, and welfare of the specific dangerous animal species. c. Provide proof of suitable and secure housing facilities that meet the welfare and safety standards set by the Competent Authority, preventing escape and ensuring the safety of the animal, the owner, and the public. d. Submit a detailed plan for the animal's care, including feeding, veterinary care, enrichment, and emergency procedures. e. Provide evidence of financial capability to cover all costs associated with the animal's care, including veterinary expenses, specialized food, and facility maintenance. f. Obtain appropriate insurance coverage against any damages or liabilities that may arise from the possession of the dangerous animal. g. Comply with all relevant local and international laws and conventions pertaining to wildlife protection, endangered species, and animal welfare.
- The Competent Authority may impose additional conditions or restrictions on licenses, as deemed necessary, to ensure public safety and animal welfare.
Article (5) — Obligations of Licensed Owners
Licensed owners of dangerous animals shall adhere to the following obligations:
- Ensure the dangerous animal is kept in a secure and appropriate enclosure that prevents its escape and protects it from external threats, in accordance with the standards set by the Competent Authority.
- Provide the dangerous animal with adequate food, water, and veterinary care, including regular health checks, vaccinations, and treatments, as required by its species-specific needs and veterinary recommendations.
- Implement appropriate enrichment programs to ensure the psychological and physical well-being of the animal.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date records for each dangerous animal, including its origin, identification details, health history, breeding records (if applicable), and any incidents involving the animal. These records shall be made available for inspection by the Competent Authority upon request.
- Notify the Competent Authority immediately in case of an escape, injury, illness, death, or any significant change in the dangerous animal's condition or behavior.
- Allow authorized representatives of the Competent Authority to inspect the facility and the dangerous animals at any reasonable time to ensure compliance with this Resolution and its Executive Regulations.
- Not breed dangerous animals without specific authorization from the Competent Authority.
- Not trade, sell, donate, or transfer ownership of a dangerous animal without prior approval and proper documentation from the Competent Authority.
- Ensure that all personnel involved in the care and handling of dangerous animals are adequately trained and qualified.
- Comply with all instructions and directives issued by the Competent Authority regarding the management and care of dangerous animals.
Article (6) — Transport of Dangerous Animals
- The transport of dangerous animals, whether within the country or across its borders, shall require a separate permit from the Competent Authority, in addition to any other licenses or permits required by relevant national or international laws.
- The Competent Authority shall establish specific requirements for the safe and humane transport of dangerous animals, including standards for transport containers, vehicles, routes, and accompanying personnel.
- Transporters of dangerous animals must ensure that the animals are transported in a manner that minimizes stress, injury, and risk of escape, and that complies with all animal welfare standards.
Article (7) — Breeding and Trade of Dangerous Animals
- Any activity related to the breeding or commercial trade of dangerous animals shall be strictly regulated by the Competent Authority and shall require specific licenses and permits.
- The Competent Authority shall establish criteria for breeding programs, including genetic diversity, health screening, and ethical considerations.
- All transactions involving the sale or transfer of dangerous animals must be documented and reported to the Competent Authority.
Article (8) — Public Exhibitions and Interactions
- Public exhibitions of dangerous animals shall be permitted only in licensed facilities that meet stringent safety and welfare standards established by the Competent Authority.
- Direct public interaction with dangerous animals may be restricted or prohibited, and any permitted interactions must be conducted under strict supervision and with appropriate safety measures in place.
- The Competent Authority may issue guidelines for educational and awareness programs related to dangerous animals, promoting responsible ownership and public safety.
Article (9) — Confiscation and Disposal
- The Competent Authority shall have the power to confiscate any dangerous animal that is: a. Found in the possession of an unlicensed person. b. Kept in conditions that violate animal welfare standards or pose a risk to public safety. c. Involved in an incident causing harm to humans, other animals, or property, due to the owner's negligence or non-compliance with this Resolution.
- Confiscated dangerous animals shall be placed in designated holding facilities or rehabilitation centers.
- The Competent Authority shall determine the appropriate disposal of confiscated dangerous animals, which may include, but is not limited to, rehoming to licensed facilities, rehabilitation and release into suitable natural habitats (if appropriate for the species and individual animal), or, as a last resort, humane euthanasia, in accordance with ethical guidelines.
- The costs associated with the confiscation, care, and disposal of dangerous animals shall be borne by the owner.
Article (10) — Penalties
Without prejudice to any stricter penalty provided for in other laws, any person who violates the provisions of this Resolution or its Executive Regulations shall be subject to the following penalties:
- A fine not exceeding [insert amount] Dirhams for minor violations.
- A fine not exceeding [insert amount] Dirhams and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding [insert duration] for serious violations, including unlicensed possession, breeding, or trade of dangerous animals, or causing harm to humans or other animals due to negligence.
- Repeated violations may lead to the revocation of the license, permanent confiscation of the dangerous animals, and a ban on future possession of dangerous animals.
- The Competent Authority may also impose administrative sanctions, such as warnings, temporary suspension of licenses, or mandatory training programs.
Article (11) — Executive Regulations
The Competent Authority shall issue the Executive Regulations necessary for the implementation of the provisions of this Resolution within [insert timeframe] from its effective date. These Regulations shall specify, among other things, the detailed procedures for licensing, animal welfare standards, facility requirements, transport guidelines, and enforcement mechanisms.
Article (12) — Judicial Jurisdiction
The courts of [insert jurisdiction] shall have jurisdiction over any disputes arising from the application of the provisions of this Resolution.
Article (13) — Repeals
Any provision in any other resolution or regulation that contradicts or is inconsistent with the provisions of this Resolution shall be deemed repealed.
Article (14) — Publication and Enforcement
This Resolution shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall come into force from the date of its publication.
[Signature Block - Placeholder as no specific signature is provided in the prompt for this generated content, but the structure is preserved.]
Issued by Us: On: [Date] Corresponding to: [Date]