Citizen arrested for illegal hunting in Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve

The Special Forces for Environmental Security, while carrying out their duties to enforce environmental regulations, apprehended a citizen for violating environmental laws by hunting without a permit in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. The individual was found in possession of an air rifle and 52 hunted wild animals. Legal procedures have been taken against him.

The forces emphasized the importance of complying with environmental laws and their executive regulations, which prohibit the hunting of wild animals. They noted that the penalty for hunting without a license is a fine of 10,000 riyals (SAR), while hunting in prohibited areas carries a fine of 5,000 riyals. Hunting a turtle dove without a license incurs a 5,000 riyal fine, hunting a starling 2,000 riyals, a quail 1,500 riyals, and a pigeon 1,000 riyals.

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 treated confidentially, and informants will not be held liable.