JEDDAH: The Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) said owners of predatory animals and those who keep such animals for breeding and trading will be penalized.

The authority has registered a number of violations regarding such animals.

“A royal order was issued to ban the import of predatory animals except in three cases: research centers in universities, zoos and those for display in recreation centers,” said SWA President Prince Bander bin Saud bin Mohammed.

He said a number of video-clips showed that these animals were being bred in people’s houses in residential areas. Some owners set the animals free, endangering public safety. Owners are thus liable for legal punishment.

The SWA chief said there were two ways for these animals to get to the Kingdom: by smuggling and through entry points.

The Customs Department has stated that they have in the past impounded animals whose owners wanted to breed them with the idea of engaging in trade.

This is against the laws of the Kingdom, which has signed international agreement for the protection of wildlife.These lasws will be strictly enforced with increased penalties.