Sharjah authorities have arrested an Arab man for illegally trafficking protected animals within the emirate, officials confirmed on Sunday, November 2.
The arrest followed a coordinated operation involving the Sharjah Police’s Directorate of Investigations and Criminal Investigations, the General Directorate of the Federal Criminal Police in the Ministry of Interior, and the Environment and Nature Reserves Authority.
According to the police statement, the accused was found keeping endangered species, including storks and foxes, which are banned from being traded or owned without proper authorization. The suspect was taken into custody after an ambush was carried out based on prior intelligence.
After his arrest, the animals were safely transferred to one of Sharjah’s nature reserves under the supervision of the Environment and Nature Reserves Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change.
Authorities confirmed that the man has been referred to the public prosecutor to complete legal proceedings against him. Residents were urged to cooperate with law enforcement and report any suspicious activities related to the illegal possession or trade of protected wildlife.
Sharjah Police emphasized their continued commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting the UAE’s natural heritage. The force stated that operations of this nature are essential to curbing illegal wildlife trade, which poses severe ecological and ethical concerns.
The UAE has previously taken strong measures against individuals violating wildlife protection regulations. In October last year, Abu Dhabi authorities arrested five individuals caught hunting illegally with a falcon in the North Khattam desert. Similarly, Fujairah authorities captured a wild cat found roaming a residential area in May, imposing a heavy fine on the owner.
In 2021, Dubai Police successfully foiled an attempt by a man to sell a wolf illegally, highlighting the nationwide efforts to curb such offenses.
Under UAE federal law, owning a dangerous or protected animal without registration carries penalties starting at Dh10,000 and may reach up to Dh500,000.
Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on Environmental Protection strictly prohibits the hunting, killing, or capture of wild animals and birds without prior authorization. In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 22 of 2005 further regulates wild hunting, specifying permitted species, tools, and seasons under controlled conditions.
Authorities reiterated their warning that any violation of these regulations will result in severe penalties, reaffirming the UAE’s zero-tolerance stance toward wildlife trafficking.
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