EA issues regulations for keeping domesticated wild animals

Ahmed al-Kaabi

Muscat, July 31

The Environment Authority announced the issuance of Decision No. (150/2024) regarding the regulation of keeping domesticated wild animals. This decision aims to regulate the possession of domesticated wild animals, whether local or imported.

The decision includes details of the requirements and stages needed to obtain a license, as well as the basic rules related to keeping these animals, and the associated violations and fines.

According to the decision, domesticated wild animals are defined as animals that are bred in farms or reserves owned by individuals, whether they are local or imported, such as the Arabian gazelle, reem gazelle, Nubian ibex, Arabian oryx, and Arabian sand gazelle.

To obtain a license to keep domesticated wild animals, applicants must meet several basic conditions. First, the applicant must be an Omani citizen to ensure compliance with local laws.

Second, the applicant must provide a suitable place to breed the animals, in compliance with the prescribed environmental and health conditions. Third, it is required to pay the fees required to obtain the license, which enhances compliance with official procedures and ensures the seriousness of the application.

The process of obtaining a license to keep domesticated wild animals goes through several stages. This process begins with submitting a formal application containing the documents required by the Environment Authority. The Authority studies this application within a period not exceeding 30 working days. After approving the application, the applicant is notified of the need to pay an amount of 200 Omani rials for each animal. After paying the fees and fulfilling all the conditions, the license is issued to the breeder.

The decision includes several basic rules to ensure the proper care of domesticated wild animals. The license is granted for a period of two years and is renewable based on compliance with the rules. Mixing domesticated wild animals with other animals for mating is prohibited except after obtaining the approval of the Authority to ensure the preservation of breeds. The release of domesticated wild animals into the wild is prohibited to protect them and ensure their safety. The breeder must notify the Authority of any changes in the condition of the animals. A microchip or numbered ear tag must be placed on wild animals produced by the first and second generations to ensure their tracking and monitoring. In addition, the Authority must be allowed to conduct periodic inspections of the animals and their places of keeping to ensure the breeder’s compliance with the specified conditions and standards.

When can ownership be transferred to the licensee? Ownership of domesticated wild animals can be transferred to the licensee in two cases If they do not have offspring, and if their first offspring are males.

VIOLATIONS AND FINES

The decision includes a set of violations and fines to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations related to keeping domesticated wild animals. Keeping domesticated wild animals without a license exposes the owner to a fine ranging from RO100 to RO500, and the same fine is imposed on transferring possession without a license. Disposing of domesticated wild animals without the approval of the Authority exposes the violator to a fine ranging from RO300 to RO500 for each animal. Releasing domesticated wild animals into the wild without approval results in a fine ranging from RO500 to RO1,000 for each animal.

Mixing domesticated wild animals with other animals for mating without the approval of the Authority results in a fine ranging from RO500 to RO1,000. Failure to notify the authorities of deaths among domesticated wild animals results in a fine ranging from RO300 to RO1,000 for each lost animal. Failure to install a microchip or numbered ear tags on wild animals produced by the first and second generations imposes a fine ranging from RO50 to RO200 for each animal.

In addition, failure to provide a suitable place to breed animals results in a fine ranging from RO50 to RO300 Omani rials, and failure to bear the costs of transporting animals imposes a fine similar to the first violation. Not allowing the authority’s specialists to enter the breeding places exposes the violator to a fine ranging from RO400 to RO1,000, while the death of any of the wild animals as a result of irresponsible results is a fine ranging from RO400 to RO1,000 for each animal.

The decision set the fees for licenses to keep domesticated wild animals at RO10 for renewing the license for two years. The fees for transferring ownership of domesticated wild animals is RO2.