Authorities probe ‘lion cub sale’

Authorities have launched a probe into the allegations of a Bahraini man selling a lion cub for BD2,500. The Bahrain Society for Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals (BSPCA) is co-ordinating with the probing authorities to nab the suspect, who is suspected to be in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. BSPCA President Mahmoud Faraj told our sister paper Al Ayam that he alerted the authorities the moment he came to know about the incident.

“I have also alerted the Supreme Council for Environment chairman Dr Mohamed Bin Dinah and Khalid Ahmed, Undersecretary for Livestock at the Ministry of Works after coming to know about the incident.” It is learnt that an advertisement seeking a buyer for a lion cub was posted by the suspect on his Instagram page.

Mr Faraj stressed that the concerned authorities are currently proceeding to refer the suspect to the Public Prosecution and cybercrime for investigation in accordance with the law to prevent the promotion and trading of wild animals in Bahrain. He praised the speedy action and the follow-up of the topic by the Chief Executive of the Supreme Council for the Environment and the Animal Wealth Agency, praising their co-operation in the field of animal welfare.