29 August 2017 Beirut, Lebanon
Lebanon’s President Michel Aoun today signed into effect the national law for the protection and welfare of animals after an eight-year campaign led by Animals Lebanon.
The President welcomed Animals Lebanon to the Presidential Palace to witness the law being signed after it was approved by Parliament two weeks ago.
“In 2010 we were told that our position is morally, ethically and religiously correct, but that there is no legal basis to protect animals,” said Animals Lebanon Executive Director Jason Mier.
Recent years have seen an increase in the understand and important of animal welfare, but the problem of roadside zoos, trafficking of wildlife, unregulated pet shops and breeders, and deficiencies in slaughterhouses continue.
“We took up that challenge and the law we drafted has now been signed into effect by the President, giving all animals strong legal protection. This is a great day for Lebanon, Animals Lebanon, and most importantly the animals.”
The law ensures the protection and welfare of live animals and increases Lebanon’s compliance with international convention.
30 articles detail general requirements for handling and keeping animals, specific requirements for establishments such as zoos, farms, pet shops, slaughterhouses and others.
Penalties include confiscation of animals, closure of establishment, fines up to 100 million Lira and four years imprisonment.
“Passing the law is such a milestone, an achievement we are so proud of, and we are taking our day to celebrate. Then back to the hard work of applying this law to improve the lives of all animals,” finished Mier.