Two arrested for illegal hunting without license in Makkah region

The Special Forces for Environmental Security, while carrying out their duties to enforce environmental regulations, apprehended two citizens in the Makkah region for violating environmental laws by hunting without a license. Authorities seized a firearm, an air rifle, 167 rounds of assorted ammunition, a bird-calling device, a hunting net, and 13 hunted wild animals. Legal procedures have been taken against them.

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 using nets, drop nets, traps, and snares in hunting is a fine of 100,000 riyals (SAR), while using firearms without a license carries a fine of 80,000 riyals. Using a bird-calling device incurs a 50,000 riyal fine, hunting without a license is punishable by a 10,000 riyal fine, hunting in prohibited areas by a 5,000 riyal fine, and hunting quail without a license by a 1,500 riyal 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 treated with complete confidentiality and without any liability for the informant.