The Ministry of Agriculture completed a study to establish the first Saudi private society for animal welfare, with their local headquarters to be based in Riyadh, sources close to the ministry informed, adding that more branches are expected to open in the future.

The ministry’s assistant undersecretary for livestock, Sami Al-Naheet, stated that the society is a legal entity, and is financially independent. It will operate under the supervision of the ministry, with an aim to protect animals from harm, as well as supporting activists and those interested in animal welfare in the Kingdom. The society will coordinate with Saudi universities to support a research chair in higher education in the field of animal well-being.

According to Al-Naheit, the organization will place plans and programs to guarantee animal welfare and certify that they are offered good health and nutrition. Closely working with the relevant authorities, the society will devise the necessary conditions to build suitable facilities and living standards to shelter animals, while protecting them from any abuse. One of their goals will also include studying all the obstacles that animal welfare activists usually face.

As part of their strategy, the organization also expects to coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture to hold exhibitions, conferences and scientific seminars inside and outside the Kingdom. Al-Naheit pointed out that the society will allocate part of its tasks to offer training and veterinarian programs to spread awareness among animal owners and issue publications that are interested in animal welfare and rights.

The Ministry of Agriculture announced the issuance of an animal welfare law on 21/4/2014, just less than one year after the Gulf Cooperation Council approved the animal rights system which was approved by the Saudi Council of Ministers in 2013. The law stipulates harsh punishments for animal rights violators, with penalties reaching SR50,000 for first time violators and SR400,000 if the violation is repeated.

The law includes all animals such as birds, reptiles, fish and amphibians. Owners of animals and those who provide care for them should take all precautions to avoid inflicting harm or suffering to their animals.

The law stresses the importance of preventing using animals for scientific research until companies receive a license from the relevant authorities.