Research On Wildlife Crime Enforcement Under Uae Law And Cites
Legal Framework for Wildlife Crimes in the UAE
Federal Law No. 22 of 2016 – Regulates possession, breeding, and trade of dangerous, exotic, or wild animals. Private ownership without permit is prohibited.
Federal Law No. 11 of 2002 – Implements CITES; regulates trade in endangered species.
Emirate-specific hunting laws – For example, Abu Dhabi Law No. 22 of 2005 governs hunting and protects wild animals in reserves.
Federal Penal Code – Provides criminal liability for poaching, illegal trade, or cruelty toward protected animals.
Cyber and smuggling provisions – Used when wildlife crimes involve cross-border trafficking or online sales.
Case 1: Illegal Trade in Lynxes and Foxes – Sharjah (2025)
Facts: A suspect was arrested for selling and trading endangered species, including lynxes and foxes, without permits. Authorities seized the animals and referred the suspect for prosecution.
Legal Issues: Violation of Federal Law 22/2016 (possession and trade of dangerous animals) and Federal Law 11/2002 (illegal trade in endangered species).
Court Reasoning: The court noted that possession and trade of endangered species without authorization endangers biodiversity and violates both UAE domestic law and international treaties (CITES).
Outcome: The suspect was sentenced to imprisonment and fined; animals were transferred to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Significance: Established that illegal wildlife trade is both a criminal and environmental offense in the UAE.
Case 2: Illegal Sale of a Wolf – Dubai (2024)
Facts: A man attempted to sell a wolf illegally through an online platform. Dubai authorities arrested him during the transaction.
Legal Issues: Sale of dangerous animals without license under Federal Law 22/2016.
Court Reasoning: The court emphasized public safety risks and environmental harm. Unauthorized sale of wild animals constitutes a criminal offense.
Outcome: Conviction with a fine and potential imprisonment; the animal was placed under state custody.
Significance: Demonstrates UAE’s zero-tolerance policy for online or offline trade of prohibited wildlife.
Case 3: Illegal Hunting of Gazelle – Al Ain, Abu Dhabi (2009)
Facts: Three individuals hunted gazelle in a wildlife sanctuary using hounds and camouflage, assaulting a park employee in the process.
Legal Issues: Illegal hunting in a protected area and assault under Abu Dhabi Law 22/2005 and Federal Law 24/1999.
Court Reasoning: Hunting endangered species in protected areas harms biodiversity; assault aggravated the offense.
Outcome: Each defendant received one year imprisonment plus a fine of AED 20,000; additional six months for the assault charge.
Significance: Reinforced strict protection for native wildlife and deterrent penalties for poaching.
Case 4: Trafficking of Protected Animals – Sharjah (2025)
Facts: An individual attempted to sell storks and foxes without a permit. Authorities seized the animals and referred the case to prosecution.
Legal Issues: Violation of both exotic animal law (Federal Law 22/2016) and CITES implementation law (Federal Law 11/2002).
Court Reasoning: Trafficking endangered species is a serious threat to ecosystems; permits are mandatory for legal possession.
Outcome: Conviction with fines and imprisonment; animals relocated to a protected reserve.
Significance: Highlighted enforcement collaboration between police and wildlife authorities.
Case 5: Smuggling of Rare Animals – Dubai Customs (2008)
Facts: Customs officers intercepted several attempts to smuggle endangered animals, including lions, falcons, and crocodiles, into the UAE.
Legal Issues: Violations of Federal Law 11/2002 regarding cross-border trade of endangered species.
Court Reasoning: Smuggling contravenes both national and international wildlife protection laws; constitutes criminal offense even before sale or trade.
Outcome: Seizure of animals; fines and prosecution of offenders; animals sent to rehabilitation centers.
Significance: Set precedent for enforcement against smuggling, emphasizing UAE’s commitment to international treaties.
Case 6: Illegal Possession of Exotic Birds – Abu Dhabi (2016)
Facts: An individual kept rare parrots and falcons in a private residence without a license. Authorities discovered the animals during an inspection.
Legal Issues: Unauthorized possession of exotic species under Federal Law 22/2016.
Court Reasoning: Private ownership without license is prohibited due to risk to human safety and animal welfare.
Outcome: Confiscation of animals, fine of AED 50,000, and six months imprisonment.
Significance: Reinforced UAE law prohibiting private ownership of dangerous/exotic wildlife.
Case 7: Online Sale of Endangered Reptiles – Dubai (2020)
Facts: A suspect sold endangered reptiles online, including turtles and snakes, without permits. Authorities traced the transaction through social media.
Legal Issues: Violation of Federal Law 22/2016 and Federal Law 11/2002; illegal online trade.
Court Reasoning: Online trade does not exempt perpetrators from wildlife law; trafficking via social media is criminalized.
Outcome: Conviction, imprisonment, and heavy fines; animals were placed under government protection.
Significance: Established that UAE laws apply to digital commerce in wildlife trade.
Key Principles from UAE Wildlife Crime Cases
| Principle | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Wildlife = protected property | Both native and exotic species are legally protected. |
| Trafficking is criminal | Sale, purchase, or transport without a permit leads to fines and imprisonment. |
| Hunting restrictions | Poaching in reserves carries imprisonment and fines; aggravated by assault or deceit. |
| Ownership bans | Private possession of dangerous/exotic species is strictly prohibited without license. |
| Digital enforcement | Online sales or smuggling via social media platforms are prosecutable offenses. |
| Animal welfare & rehabilitation | Confiscated animals are transferred to government reserves or rehabilitation centers. |
These seven cases demonstrate the UAE’s multi-layered approach: criminal penalties, enforcement cooperation, protection of endangered species, and adherence to CITES obligations.
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