Three arrested for illegal hunting in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

The Special Forces for Environmental Security, while carrying out their duties to enforce environmental regulations, have arrested three citizens for violating the environmental law by hunting without a permit in King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. Authorities seized a shotgun, an air rifle, 358 assorted rounds of ammunition, and 117 hunted wild animals. Legal procedures have been taken against the offenders.

The forces emphasized the importance of complying with environmental laws and their executive regulations, which prohibit hunting wild animals. They noted that the penalty for using a shotgun for hunting without a license is a fine of 100,000 riyals (SAR), while hunting without a license carries a fine of 10,000 riyals. Hunting in prohibited areas is punishable by a 5,000 riyals fine, and hunting quail without a license incurs a 1,500 riyals fine, while hunting pigeons is subject to a 1,000 riyals fine.

The authorities also urged the public to report any violations against the environment or wildlife by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other regions of the Kingdom. All reports will be handled confidentially, and informants will not be held liable.