TheMinistry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) announced on Thursdaythat it has issued penalties against 28 individuals and entities charged withabuse of animals and food-health violations between the beginning of June andthe end of August this year, with fines amounting to SR1.76 million ($470,000).
Themajority of fines were for the sale of local animal products that were deemedunsafe for human consumption or for causing intentional injury to animals.
Violationsalso included the transfer of animals suspected of being infected, unlicensedlivestock projects, failing to renew licenses, or carrying out projects withoutconsulting MEWA.
AbdullahAbaalkhail, general manager of public relations at MEWA, told Arab News: "Thisannouncement is part of the ministry's work in implementing the animal welfaresystem and controlling violators. The ministry periodically issues a list ofviolations (in an attempt to raise awareness."
Anyonefound guilty of violating ministry regulations will incur penalties "withouthesitation," Abaalkhalil claimed, and called on the general public to notifythe ministry if they knew of any such violations.
"Weare asking Saudi citizens to report any violation cases to 800 247 0000," hesaid.
