Public Prosecution: Strict penalties for neglecting animals and leaving them loose
The Public Prosecution in Saudi Arabia issued a strong warning regarding the treatment of animals, emphasizing that leaving them in undesignated areas or neglecting their care constitutes a clear violation of the Kingdom's regulations and laws. The Public Prosecution clarified that such practices fall under the category of animal abuse, which warrants legal accountability and the application of prescribed penalties.
Details of the warning and the concept of negligence
The Public Prosecution indicated that the concept of neglect is not limited to physical abuse, but primarily includes failing to provide an animal with its essential needs, such as food, water, and suitable shelter. It emphasized that leaving animals loose in public places, on roads, or in environments unsuitable for them constitutes a violation of animal welfare principles and a threat to public safety.
Legal and legislative framework for animal protection
This warning is based on the Gulf Cooperation Council's Animal Welfare Law, which the Kingdom has ratified. The law aims to ensure the humane treatment of animals in accordance with ethical principles and Islamic law. Competent authorities, primarily the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, are working in coordination with security and judicial bodies to address these violations. Penalties under this law vary and include substantial fines, as well as other penalties designed to deter offenders and prevent the recurrence of such abuses.
Security and environmental dimensions of the decision
The aim of stricter penalties is not only to protect animals, but also to protect society and the environment. Leaving animals unattended in undesignated areas has often led to horrific traffic accidents, especially on highways, resulting in significant human and material losses. Furthermore, neglecting animals can lead to them becoming strays that transmit diseases and epidemics, posing a threat to public health and marring the urban landscape of Saudi cities, which are striving to achieve quality of life standards within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Social and ethical responsibility
The Public Prosecution called on all animal owners and caretakers to fully comply with regulations and to be mindful of their religious and moral responsibility towards these creatures. It emphasized that public awareness is the first line of defense against such practices, encouraging citizens and residents to report any cases of neglect or animal abuse to the relevant authorities to ensure the enforcement of the law and the protection of compassion and humanity in society.
