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General UAE Legal Questions LawFederal Law No (16) of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals

UAE Federal Law·Federal Law No (16) of 2007

قانون اتحادي بشأن الرفق بالحيوان

Authoritative Arabic version per the official UAE Legislation portal

Issued Date
September 4, 2007
Effective from
September 16, 2007
Articles
24
Last synced
Jul 20, 2026
Download PDFOfficial source

Plain-language summary

  • Sets legal standards for how animals must be treated and cared for across the UAE.
  • Defines animal cruelty and abuse as crimes with penalties including fines and imprisonment.
  • Applies to anyone who owns, keeps, or works with animals in any setting.
  • Requires proper food, water, shelter, and veterinary care for all animals under human control.
  • Prohibits practices that cause unnecessary suffering, pain, or harm to animals.

Establishes legal protections for animals, setting standards for their treatment, welfare, and care.

Synced from the official UAE Legislation portal · Plain-language summary by the LEXAI editorial team

Article-level text

Key Articles

24 articles

  1. 1

    Article 1

    Article (1) Definitions For the implementation of the provisions of this Law, and unless otherwise required by the context, the following words and expressions shall have the meanings assigned thereto: The State: United Arab Emirates. The Ministry: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The Minister: The Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The Competent Department: The competent department in the Ministry. The Competent Authority: The local authorities concerned with animals' affairs. The Authorized Persons: The veterinary doctors of the Ministry or the competent authority. The Veterinary Doctor: The person holding a certified bachelor degree in veterinary medicine and authorized by the Ministry. The Specialist: The person academically qualified in the field of veterinary medicine or laboratories. The Animals: All the types of strolling and confined animals including birds, reptiles, amphibious animals, fishes, mammals and wild animals. Street Animal: The animal strolling freely without restriction or supervision by its possessor even if it knows how to return to its possession place. Confined Animals: the owned animal existing in a certain location depending on others and subject to the control and care of the possessor. The Establishments: Any place where the animals are kept, retained, reproduced, slaughtered or treated including the public parks, private places, vessels, aircrafts, trucks and

    -- 2 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 3 other means of transport as well as the scientific research institutions where the animals are kept. The Person in Charge of the Animal Care: The animal guard who has actual control over it whether he is the owner or otherwise.

  2. 2

    Article 2

    Article (2) The owners of animals and those looking after them, as appropriate, shall take all the necessary precautions to avoid causing any harm, damage, pain or suffering to the animals, particularly they shall: 1- Take into account all the types, level of growth, adaptation and needs of the animals according to the scientific knowledge and experience; 2- Not release any animal under their care and the survival of which normally depends on them. In case they desire to abandon the animal, they shall deliver it to the competent department or the competent authority; 3- Provide a sufficient number of experienced, knowledgeable and professional workers efficient in the affairs related to the animals under their supervision and care; 4- Examine the animals under their supervision and care at least once per day and look after them; and 5- Provide healthcare to the animals and refer them to veterinary doctor to examine and treat them and take all the necessary actions in this regard.

  3. 3

    Article 3

    Article (3) Authorized Persons 1. The Authorized Persons and the accompanying Specialist may: a. Have access to any Facilities for inspection if they believe that the Animals within have been suffering, abused, sick or raised in such a manner contrary to the provisions of this Law and its executing resolutions. The Authorized Person has to identify themselves to the owner or the person in charge of the Animals in these Facilities. If the Facility is a private residence a prior consent should be obtained from Prosecution. b. Examine any Animals within Facilities, perform tests or take samples believed to be

    -- 3 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 4 necessary. A part of the sample or a sample similar thereto must be given to the owner or the person in charge of Animal if they so request. c. Mark the Animals in a manner enabling them to identify each Animal individually. Such marks can be removed from Animals only with consent of the Competent Dept. or Competent Authority. d. Quarantine any Animals suspected to be ill and transfer them to another place for treatment. 2. Owners or persons in charge of Animals inside any Facility should provide the necessary assistance to Authorized Persons and the accompanying Specialist including the assistance to restrict, whenever possible, the Animal movement for test purposes, for taking samples and presenting any relevant Animal documents requested from them.

  4. 4

    Article 4

    Article (4) Animal Movement Liberty An adequate area must be provided for Animals to fulfill their needs when their mobility is permanently or temporarily is confined according to the relevant regulations and resolutions passed by the Ministry.

  5. 5

    Article 5

    Article (5) Buildings and Animal Comfort Means 1. Materials used in building Facilities, especially barns, cages, stables and equipment in contact with Animals should be harmless, free of pollution sources, easily cleaned and thoroughly antisepticised. 2. Animals kept outdoors should be protected from fluctuating weather conditions, predators and any other risks to their health. They should have access to proper sleeping place having a proper residuals disposal means. Article No. (5) Bis The establishments shall be subject to the health and technical conditions set by the Executive Regulations of this Law.

    -- 4 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 5

  6. 6

    Article 6

    Article (6) Animal Feeding With observation to the executive regulations of this Law regarding materials allowed to be added to the Animal fodder, Animals should be fed with whole fodder commensurate with their age and species at quantities keeping them in good health and satisfying their nutrition requirements. Also, Animals should have continuous access to proper water sources or be provided with daily adequate quantity of water.

  7. 7

    Article 7

    Article (7) Animal Transfer Animals should be transferred in a manner ensuring their safety and protecting them from injury or harm. The executive regulations of this Law determine the conditions and specifications to be achieved in Animal loading, transfer and feeding during transfer as well as any other conditions relating to transport means.

  8. 8

    Article 8

    Article (8) Animal Treatment 1. If treatment intervention of an Animal causes it to undergo pain, panic or disturbance, then such intervention must be done by a veterinarian or Specialist. 2. All surgical intervention of Animals must be done under general or local anesthesia in a place medically equipped for surgery.

  9. 9

    Article 9

    Article (9) Returning Animal Back to its Owner An Animal quarantined and taken for treatment may be returned back to its owner only after its complete recovery and after either of the following conditions is fulfilled: 1. Ensuring that negligence will not be repeated by owner. 2. In case of repeated negligence, charging the owner with the costs of transfer and treatment.

    -- 5 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 6

  10. 10

    Article 10

    Article (10) Prohibitions The following actions are prohibited: 1. Sexual abuse against Animals. 2. Mixing Animals during shows or sales. 3. Showing, selling or trading any Animal that is ill, injured or in a bad physical condition unless it has fully recovered.

  11. 11

    Article 11

    Article (11) Organizing Animal Shows No public Animal displays, contests or shows may be organized for commercial or any other purposes including for advertisements or decorations except by written permission from the Competent Dept. or Competent Authority.

  12. 12

    Article 12

    Article (12) Using Animals for Scientific Purposes 1. No Animals may be used for scientific experiments purposes except with permission from the Competent Dept. or Competent Authority. 2. The Ministry shall gather a database regarding using Animals for scientific purposes within the Country.

  13. 13

    Article 13

    Article (13) Astray Animals In case of finding an astray Animal, the Competent Dept. or Competent Authority, as the case may be, may do the following: 1. Seize the Animal if it constitutes danger or is suffering from pain or disturbance. 2. If the owner cannot be identified or contacted, consult a veterinarian immediately upon the Animal's suffering from pain or disturbance and to dispose with the Animal according to the veterinarian's opinion. 3. If the owner is identified, oblige him/her to pay for all expenses incurred.

    -- 6 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 7

  14. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) Penalties The penalty of imprisonment for not more than one year and / or a fine of not more than AED (200,000) two hundred thousand Dirhams shall apply to whomever: 1- Sexually abuses an animal. 2- Releases an infected animal while being aware of such infection. 3- Causes damage, harm, pain or irritation to animals; or 4- Offers for sale or trades in any ill or injured animal.

  15. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) Bis (1) Whoever uses animals for scientific experiments without authorization from the competent department or the competent authority shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than one year and / or a fine of not less than AED (50,000) fifty thousand Dirhams and not more than AED (200,000) two hundred thousand Dirhams.

  16. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) Bis (2) Whoever violates the other obligations set by the provisions of this Law and by the regulations and resolutions issued for the implementation hereof shall be punished by a fine of not more than AED (100,000) one hundred thousand Dirhams.

  17. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) Bis (3) 1- The criminal action in respect of the offenses committed under Article No. (14) bis (2) shall only be instituted by virtue of a written request from the Ministry or the competent authority. 2- Conciliation may be concluded in the offenses committed under Article No. (14) bis (2) before the referral of the action to the competent court against the payment of an amount not exceeding AED (80,000) eighty thousand Dirhams for each offense. 3- The Cabinet shall issue a Resolution setting the controls of conciliation and the financial amount for conciliation in respect of each offense referred to in the present Article.

    -- 7 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 8

  18. 14

    Article 14

    Article (14) Bis (4) The Ministry or the competent authority may apply any of the following administrative penalties in case of violation of any of the provisions of this Law or its Executive Regulations: 1- Warning. 2- Closure of the establishment for not more than six months. 3- Final closure of the establishment. 4- Revocation of the license.

  19. 15

    Article 15

    Article (15) Final Rules The Minister shall, in coordination with the Competent Authorities, issue resolutions determining the rules for protection of Animal health and safety and banning harmful practices against Animals.

  20. 16

    Article 16

    Article (16) Officials identified by resolution of the Minister of Justice in agreement with the Minister and the Competent Authority shall have judicial control commissioners in controlling crimes and infringements occurring in violation of the provisions hereof and the regulations and resolutions executing this Law. Competent Authorities shall provide the necessary assistance to those officials to enable them perform their tasks.

  21. 16

    Article 16

    Article (16) Bis The Cabinet shall issue a resolution setting the charges applicable under the provisions of this Law.

  22. 17

    Article 17

    Article (17) The Minister shall issue the necessary regulations and resolutions executing this Law provisions.

    -- 8 of 9 --

    Federal Law No. 16 of 2007 Concerning the Protection of Animals 9

  23. 18

    Article 18

    Article (18) Any text that is to the contrary of or in conflict with this Law provisions shall be annulled.

  24. 19

    Article 19

    Article (19) This Law is to be published in the Gazette and shall take effect six months after publishing date. Khalifah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan UAE President Promulgated by us in Abu Dhabi on: 4th September 2007 Corresponding to 22nd Sha'aban 1428 Hijri

    -- 9 of 9 --

Note: The Arabic text of this legislation is the authoritative version as per the official UAE Legislation portal.

Articles in this law(24)
  1. 1Article (1) Definitions For the implementation of the provisions of this Law, an
  2. 2Article (2) The owners of animals and those looking after them, as appropriate,
  3. 3Article (3) Authorized Persons 1. The Authorized Persons and the accompanying Sp
  4. 4Article (4) Animal Movement Liberty An adequate area must be provided for Animal
  5. 5Article (5) Buildings and Animal Comfort Means 1. Materials used in building Fac
  6. 6Article (6) Animal Feeding With observation to the executive regulations of this
  7. 7Article (7) Animal Transfer Animals should be transferred in a manner ensuring t
  8. 8Article (8) Animal Treatment 1. If treatment intervention of an Animal causes it
  9. 9Article (9) Returning Animal Back to its Owner An Animal quarantined and taken f
  10. 10Article (10) Prohibitions The following actions are prohibited: 1. Sexual abuse
  11. 11Article (11) Organizing Animal Shows No public Animal displays, contests or show
  12. 12Article (12) Using Animals for Scientific Purposes 1. No Animals may be used for
  13. 13Article (13) Astray Animals In case of finding an astray Animal, the Competent D
  14. 14Article (14) Penalties The penalty of imprisonment for not more than one year an
  15. 14Article (14) Bis (1) Whoever uses animals for scientific experiments without aut
  16. 14Article (14) Bis (2) Whoever violates the other obligations set by the provision
  17. 14Article (14) Bis (3) 1- The criminal action in respect of the offenses committed
  18. 14Article (14) Bis (4) The Ministry or the competent authority may apply any of th
  19. 15Article (15) Final Rules The Minister shall, in coordination with the Competent
  20. 16Article (16) Officials identified by resolution of the Minister of Justice in ag
  21. 16Article (16) Bis The Cabinet shall issue a resolution setting the charges applic
  22. 17Article (17) The Minister shall issue the necessary regulations and resolutions
  23. 18Article (18) Any text that is to the contrary of or in conflict with this Law pr
  24. 19Article (19) This Law is to be published in the Gazette and shall take effect si
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