The Ministry of Interior in the Libyan Government of National Unity has tightened the laws regulating the import of predatory animals, in light of the increasing incidents of animals escaping from their owners, which poses a direct threat to public safety.
The ministry confirmed in its statement the implementation of Article (489) of the Libyan Penal Code, which strictly prohibits the import or breeding of these creatures in ways that violate the regulations in force.
This comes after several unfortunate incidents, including the incident of a tiger escaping in the city of Mislata and the fatal attack of a tiger on the child Mundhir Al-Saiti in Ajdabiya.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister-designate of the House of Representatives, Osama Hamad, issued a decision at the end of July strictly prohibiting individuals from keeping predatory animals in homes, farms or public places, and prohibiting letting them roam freely in the streets.
The phenomenon of owning predatory animals has become common in Libya, and it has been noted that many citizens, especially in cities such as Misurata and Tripoli, are raising predatory animals such as lions and tigers, as these animals are seen roaming the streets and public places.
The acquisition is due to the desire of some individuals to distinguish themselves socially or show wealth, as owning predatory animals is considered a symbol of power and wealth, and it spread at a time when there were no strict laws regulating the raising of predatory animals in Libya.
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