KUWAIT CITY, Dec 22: The Environment Public Authority (EPA), in coordination with the Environmental Police, has detected and addressed a case of illegal hunting involving the unlawful capture and possession of 17 seagulls. The violation was uncovered on Monday during a joint inspection operation, after the birds were found to have been hunted using unsafe and prohibited methods that posed a serious threat to their safety and welfare.

The Director of Public Relations and Media at the EPA, Sheikha Al-Ibrahim, told the Kuwait News Agency that the authority acted promptly upon receiving a report from the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries. Following the report, EPA inspection teams, accompanied by Environmental Police officers, moved to the location, apprehended the violators, and took all necessary legal measures in accordance with environmental regulations.

She explained that the seized seagulls were subjected to a veterinary examination to assess their health condition. After confirming that the birds were fit and unharmed, they were released back into their natural habitats in coordination with the Scientific Center. This step was taken as part of ongoing efforts to preserve ecological balance and protect biodiversity across the country.

Al-Ibrahim stressed that hunting, capturing, or possessing wild animals is a clear violation of the Environmental Protection Law, noting that such practices cause direct harm to wildlife and disrupt the natural environmental balance. She emphasized the EPA’s continued commitment to enforcing environmental legislation and safeguarding Kuwait’s natural resources.

She further pointed out that Article 100 of the Environmental Protection Law explicitly prohibits the hunting, killing, capturing, collecting, harming, possessing, or transporting of wild terrestrial and marine organisms, whether alive or dead. The prohibition also extends to harming the offspring of these organisms, as well as their eggs, nests, or natural habitats.

According to the law, exceptions may only be granted under specific conditions. The executive regulations define the species and quantities that may be hunted during designated seasons and in approved locations, excluding hunting for scientific research purposes unless prior approval is obtained from the relevant authorities in coordination with the EPA.

Regarding penalties, Al-Ibrahim stated that violations of this article are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine ranging from KD 500 to KD 5,000, or both. In addition, all seized wildlife and the tools used in committing the violation are subject to confiscation.