‘Pet’ lioness confiscated from Sharjah home

Other animals found by EPAA include hyenas, pythons, crocodiles, scorpions, spiders and lynx, a species of wildcat.

The lioness found in a home in Al Qarain, Sharjah. She is one of many wild animals removed from homes in the emirate. Wam

SHARJAH // A lioness on Sunday night became the latest exotic “pet” to be taken from Sharjah homes.

She joins a long list of wild animals including leopards, baboons, hyenas, crocodiles and lynx that have been found in the emirate’s residences, despite the threat of Dh100,000 fines.

A team from the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, police and the municipality found the lioness in Al Qarain.

In late January, four wolves were taken from a home in Al Sabkha.

Other animals that have been found include pythons, scorpions and spiders.

Over the past few months the EPAA has received more than 60 complaints about wild animals in homes.

Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, issued a decree last November banning residents from owning dangerous predators. The law excludes licensed public and private zoos, scientific research centres and universities.

A one-month amnesty after the decree ended on December 22.

Anyone found with a banned animal faces a Dh100,000 fine.

“Wild animals are a huge threat to the safety of the residents in the emirate,” said Hana Al Suwaidi, director of the EPAA.

“The ban will make sure that no one will be hurt again.”

She said the decree aimed to protect people and animals.

Several days after the amnesty, the Ministry of Environment and Water announced it had completed a new draft bill on the regulation and possession of wild predators.