Libyan Prime Minister Osama Hammad has issued a definitive ban on keeping and breeding predatory animals in homes, farms, or private places. The decision also prohibits allowing these animals to roam the streets for any reason.
The decree sets a maximum period of 15 days for the surrender of these animals to the Ministry of Interior, in preparation for placing them in designated facilities.
On Tuesday, a tragic incident in Ajdabiya resulted in the death of a child, who was attacked by a lion on a farm on the city’s outskirts. According to a security source from Al-Wasat, the child, Salem Munther Al-Saaiti, was fatally mauled while on his father’s farm.
The incident occurred when the child was playing near his father and approached the tethered lion without his father’s notice. The lion then attacked and killed the child. The farm is located on “Udhkur Allah Street” east of Ajdabiya.
This heartbreaking event has sparked renewed discussions about the legality and safety of owning wild animals as pets in Libya. Recent years have seen several incidents involving exotic animals, raising concerns about public safety and the enforcement of laws regarding wildlife ownership.
In a similar incident, a lion was killed in Derna, which brought attention to the risks associated with keeping dangerous animals within residential areas. These events highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.
Libya has witnessed a rise in the ownership of exotic pets, including lions and other wild animals. These animals often live in inadequate conditions, posing significant risks to their owners and the public. The absence of clear legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms complicates the regulation of exotic animal ownership and care.
The death of Salem Munther Al-Saaiti has led to calls for stricter regulations and better enforcement of laws regarding the ownership of exotic animals. Experts and animal rights activists argue that these animals require specialized care and environments not available in private homes or farms.
There is a growing consensus on the need for comprehensive legislation in Libya to prohibit private ownership of dangerous animals and ensure their proper care and rehabilitation in suitable facilities. This includes establishing wildlife sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers where these animals can live in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.
