UAE goat smugglers snared

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: UAE goat smugglers snared A group of smugglers face prosecution for attempting to bring 200 goats into the country without documentation or quarantine checks. The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) on Saturday said a lorry from Oman was stopped at the Al Madam border crossing. The large herd of goats was apparently hidden at the back of a shipment of boxes and goods in “very bad conditions”. Saif Al Shara’a, assistant undersecretary at the ministry, said: “The goats, 200 of them, were found hidden behind boxes of food items in a lorry. Transporting livestock without following the set regulations is illegal and punishable by law.” The ministry said all exported animals and animal products must first be put in quarantine before they can be sold in the country to ensure they are free from illness and disease. He continued: “Some people just want to dodge regulations to make easy money. But they do not understand that by doing so they are damaging public health.” Animals are only allowed to enter the UAE through designated borders that have quarantine zones. He continued: “The animals did not have any of the required certificates from the country of origin which proves they are free from communicable diseases. The goats were in very bad conditions, cramped in the lorry which was not suitable for animal transportation. It is a clear violation of the Federal animal welfare law (16), which was issued in 2007.” The ministry did not disclose the number of smugglers but said it has referred them to prosecutors. They could face a fine or prison if convicted. wafa.issa@7days.ae  Read the original story at: UAE goat smugglers snared