DUBAI // Three people have been charged with public endangerment after a lioness escaped from its owner’s home in Al Barsha on Thursday.
Col Yusuf Al Odaidi, director of Al Barsha Police Station, said that both the owner of the animal and the seller are from the GCC, while the middle man who negotiated the sale, was from another Arab country. All three were arrested and charged and are now out on bail.
The owner bought the lioness about three months ago, he added.
It is illegal to keep wild animals as household pets. However, exceptions are made for members of the Ruling Family or anyone who has official authorisation and a permit, according to authorities.
Dubai Municipality said the animal was moved to Dubai Zoo, where it will be cared for by veterinarians.
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae
