The Ministry of Environment and Water has confiscated 200 smuggled sheep across the al Madam port border from Oman in cooperation and coordination with concerned authorities. This development came amidst the Ministrys intensified efforts to protect the health and safety of all UAE residents by preventing the spread of infectious animal diseases.

H.E. Engineer Saif Mohammed Al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for External Audit sector, Ministry of Environment and Water, said: Authorities stopped the trucks carrying the smuggled sheep on the border for inspection. In one truck, the smuggled animals were put behind boxes of food in an attempt to hide them. This is a clear violation of federal legislations governing the importation of animals. Article (2) of Federal Law No. (6) of 1979 on veterinary quarantine bans the entry of imported animals and meat without properly undergoing quarantine procedures put in place to prevent an epidemic of infectious animal diseases.

The smugglers also violated Article (4) of the same law, which states that imported animals must go through the proper veterinary procedures, and Article (5), which mandates that consignments must be accompanied by an official veterinary health certificate issued by the exporting country to verify that the animals have been thoroughly checked and are free of any infectious disease before shipment, H.E. added.

H.E. Al-Shara added that the provisions of Federal Law No. (16) of 2007 on animal welfare were also breached. The seized animals were in poor health as they were crammed into the trucks during transport. He emphasized the Ministrys key role in ensuring the strict enforcement of federal laws and legislations for livestock protection and prevention of animal smuggling. Their implementation aims to stop the spread of diseases, guarantee public health, and protect domestic livestock.

The Assistant Undersecretary reiterated that importers must at all times meet all requirements and observe procedures implemented in the Ministry-run quarantine centers located across the UAE. These accredited centers managed by teams of specialists are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Upon fulfillment of all requirements, the centers issue official permits to the importers. Additionally, they must present a certificate issued by the country of origin to ensure public safety and the health of local livestock.

H.E. Al-Shara also confirmed that the Ministry closely coordinates with concerned authorities to enforce federal legislations and catch animal smugglers. Convicted violators will face imprisonment and pay fines.