The House of Representatives Local Administration Committee head Ahmed al-Sijini on Tuesday revealed the details of the draft law regulating the possession of dangerous animals.
During a phone call with “Alaa Masaolity” TV program, Sijini clarified that the draft law took into account the freedoms of all and international agreements.
Those who want to own a pet must first obtain a permit from veterinary medicine, and those that do not license their dogs will be punished with penalties ranging between a fine and imprisonment.
Members of the House of Representatives’ Agriculture Committee announced support for a bill submitted by Segainy on owning animals.
Animal welfare societies have praised the bill, they said.
According to Segainy, the bill took into account international agreements ratified by Egypt, most notably the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in Washington on March 3, 1973.
The members of the committee agreed that the discussion of the draft law would be postponed for further study by all members of the parliament.
The bill regulates possessing animals that may harm humans, including dogs, and stray animals on the streets.
The text of the penalties are as follows:
Article 19
Anyone who possesses a dog without obtaining a license from the competent authority shall be punished by imprisonment for a period of not less than three months and not exceeding a year, and a fine of not less than LE50,000 and not more than LE100,000 – or either of these two penalties.
Article 10
The possession of dogs is prohibited except with a license from the competent Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, in accordance with the conditions specified by the executive regulations of this law.
Article 20
Anyone who violates the provisions of Articles 12, 13 and 14 of this law shall be punished by imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months and a fine of not less than LE50,000, and not exceeding LE200,000 – or by one of these two penalties.
Article 12
The dog owner shall be handed a metal plate bearing the serial number referred to in Article 11 of the law, and it must be permanently fixed to the dog’s neck, and in the event of its loss, they must immediately request a new plate and pay for its cost.
Article 13
Dogs must be muzzled and restrained in an appropriate manner to control it while being taken outside the boundaries of its shelters, and in all cases the dog owner’s age may not be less than 16 years old.
Article 14
The provisions, rules and procedures set forth in Articles from Four to Seven of this law regarding the possession of dogs shall apply, provided that the legally required notifications are addressed to the Directorate of Veterinary Medicine.
Article 21
In all cases where the court orders a prison sentence, the animal subject of the violation shall be confiscated and it shall be handed over to the competent authority or veterinary medicine directorate to take the appropriate measures and procedures in this regard at the expense of the violator.
