16 businesses suspended and 104 referred for legal action over regulatory violations.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has closed 31 pet shops, bird markets, livestock outlets and plant nurseries during the first half of the year as part of a nationwide inspection drive aimed at enforcing environmental and animal welfare regulations.
The ministry said it conducted 30 joint inspection campaigns with local authorities, inspecting 269 establishments including pet shops, livestock and bird markets, nurseries and other related businesses.
The inspections led to 104 establishments being referred to the relevant authorities and committees for legal action, while 45 businesses received warnings and were instructed to correct identified violations. A further 16 establishments had their operations suspended until they met regulatory requirements and resolved the issues highlighted during inspections.
The ministry said the campaign also focused on businesses operating without completing the required licensing procedures. Working with economic development departments across the UAE, authorities instructed owners to regularise their operations and secure the necessary ministry approvals before resuming activities, while providing a grace period before enforcement action was taken.
The inspections are part of the ministry’s wider efforts to improve compliance with environmental laws and ensure businesses follow regulations related to animal welfare, environmental protection, and the international trade of endangered species of plants and animals.
The ministry added that it continues to track social media accounts promoting activities that breach environmental and animal-related regulations. Legal measures are being taken against violators, including the issuance of official judicial violation reports for those found to be breaking the law.
