Emaar reminds its Dubai residents not to keep exotic pets

Authorities in the emirate continue search for a big cat in Meadows and Springs neighbourhoods

The private ownership of wild and exotic animals – including big cats like this cheetah – is illegal in Dubai. Andrew Henderson / The National

Cheetahs rescued from private owners and moved to the Wildlife Centre refuge, near Mussaffah. Lee Hoagland / The National

Authorities in the UAE confiscated this lioness from a residential home. Photo: WAM

Cheetah and tiger cubs are highly sought after by collectors despite global and local efforts to tackle the trade. Sammy Dallal / The National

Emaar has issued a notice to residents in its communities reminding them that it is illegal to own exotic pets in Dubai.

The message comes amid an ongoing search around the Springs and Meadows communities after a member reported seeing an escaped big cat. A video circulated among residents shows a large black cat passing through a back garden, prompting security and police officers to launch a search on foot and using drones.

In the notice issued to residents of Reem, a residential community close to Global Village, Emaar Community Management said under Dubai laws "it is unlawful for any person to own and keep any exotic animals as a pet".

"Possessing exotic animals and bringing them out Into the public areas are strictly prohibited under the laws of Dubai. Violators can face a jail term of up to six months and a federal fine of up to Dh500,000 [$136,129] for the offence," the notice said.

Emaar Community Management urged residents to report violations to Dubai Police or to its security staff.

In 2017, the UAE introduced a federal law banning the possession of predatory animals, including cheetahs. It said only zoos, wildlife parks, circuses, and breeding and research centres were entitled to keep dangerous, wild or exotic animals.