Four arrested for illegal hunting in King Salman Royal Reserve

Saudi Arabia's Special Forces for Environmental Security have apprehended four citizens for engaging in illegal hunting within the King Salman Royal Reserve. The arrests occurred during routine patrols enforcing environmental laws in the protected area.

During the operation, the field patrols discovered two air rifles and a total of 15 hunted wildlife specimens in the possession of the four individuals. The suspects were detained, and legal proceedings have been initiated against them, with their case referred to the competent authorities for further action.

“

The penalty for hunting without a license is a fine of 10,000 riyals, and the penalty for hunting in prohibited areas is a fine of 5,000 riyals, and the penalty for hunting the doves without a license is a fine of 5,000 riyals.

The Special Forces reiterated the strict prohibition of hunting wildlife under the Environmental Law and its executive regulations. They highlighted the penalties associated with such violations, noting that hunting without a license carries a fine of 10,000 riyals. Additionally, hunting in prohibited areas incurs a fine of 5,000 riyals, and hunting the specific bird species known as 'al-dakhl' without a license results in a 5,000 riyal fine.

Authorities urged the public to actively report any instances of environmental assault or harm to wildlife. Citizens can contact emergency numbers 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, or 999 and 996 in other parts of the Kingdom. The forces assured that all reports would be handled with complete confidentiality, protecting the identity of the reporter.

“

We urge the public to report any cases that represent an assault on the environment or wildlife.