December 7, 2010: A cheetah leisurely strolled down a bustling street in Sharjah. - File Photo

Why did the cheetah cross the road? Why was there a camel at a petrol station? Why was an ox tethered to a parking sign? These were not riddles or a guessing game – but actual occurrences that took place at various times and locations across the UAE.

It was a breezy Tuesday afternoon on December 7, 2010, when a cheetah found itself in the middle of a busy Al Mina Street in Sharjah. Emerging from Khalid Port, it was in panic mode, scampering for cover. As reported by Khaleej Times, motorists and pedestrians were understandably alarmed, causing a traffic jam in the area. The cheetah then retreated near Al Magfira Mosque on Al Mina Road next to the Radisson SAS Hotel.

Sharjah Police quickly arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area. They eventually managed to capture the cheetah and handed it over to the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority. An investigation was launched to find the owner. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, the then director-general of the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority, stated: “Keeping wild animals as pets was not uncommon in Sharjah.” This was the third wild animal spotted on the street in one year. Previously, a highly poisonous snake and a tiger were caught by Sharjah authorities. The owners were charged with endangering lives and risking public security.

June 8, 2002: A majestic camel casually passed by a petrol station in Dibba, Fujairah. - Photo: KT file

About eight years before the Sharjah incident, a camel was seen casually passing by a petrol station in Dibba, Fujairah on June 8, 2002. There was no keeper following the camel, and no major disturbance was caused by the incident. The camel simply passed by and continued on its way.

On November 26, 2009, an ox was found tethered to a parking sign in the heart of a bustling street in Deira, Dubai. Curious onlookers took photos of the bull, which was also given some greens to eat. It was the eve of Eid Al Adha that year, and the ox was being prepared for sacrifice. It was unclear whether the owner paid the parking fee.

November 16, 2009: An ox tethered to a parking sign in the heart of a bustling street in Deira, Dubai. - Photo: KT file

Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to refrain from owning wild or exotic animals. A hefty fine of up to Dh500,000 will be imposed on violators. In May this year, Barney Almazar, director of the corporate-commercial department at Gulf Law, told Khaleej Times: “As a general rule, keeping dangerous animals as pets is not only discouraged but prohibited in the UAE.” He emphasized that the country has stringent regulations in place to control the ownership and trade of wild animals, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the public.

January 23, 2016: An African lioness was spotted roaming the streets of Al Barsha, Dubai. - Photo: KT file by Shihab

“It’s illegal and prohibited to own, possess, trade, or breed dangerous animals,” he added, except in authorized facilities such as zoos, animal parks, circuses, breeding centers, and scientific research institutions that comply with specific requirements. Almazar also mentioned that smaller and less dangerous species are generally allowed, including “some breeds of dogs and cats, certain species of birds, non-venomous snakes and lizards, small mammals like hedgehogs and small rodents, and fish.”

Other regulations apply if the animal attacks another person while in the possession of a resident. “Imprisonment for no less than three years and no more than seven years if the animal attacks another resident and causes a permanent disability. The penalty shall be life imprisonment if the attack was fatal,” Almazar added.

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