KUWAIT CITY, Dec 16: The Parliament on Wednesday approved a draft law presented by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on animal rights and two other bills on criminalizing the sale or possession of predators. The Public Utilities Committee explained in its report that the Animal Rights Draft Law requires animal owners to provide suitable shelters and care for their pets while setting strict terms and conditions for keeping animals.

The bill also aims to protect animal welfare and the people from wild animals, especially those posted for sale on social media without supervision. The second article of the bill states the punishment, which will be imposed on anyone who violates its provisions, will be double the penalties specified in Article Three.

This article is applicable to anybody who possesses, acquires, sells or advertises the sale of predators. It exempts any individual or entity that obtained a license from the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) to put such animals in a licensed circus, zoo or any other similar venue.

The fourth article mandates the concerned minister to issue the executive bylaws within six months from the day the law takes effect. He will also assign staff to supervise, uncover irregularities and submit a report in this regard to the relevant investigative body.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly approved the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee’s report on the proposed postponement of the discussion on the amendment bills submitted to the Anti-Corruption Public Authority until the Constitutional Court issues its verdict on the petition to verify the constitutionality of the law on establishing the authority.

Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- Ghanim said the committee will meet on Sunday and Monday to prepare its report on the Anti-Corruption Draft Law. He asserted the report should be ready for discussion in Tuesday’s session just in case the Constitutional Court annuls the decree on the establishment of the authority.

In a related development, Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane affirmed that the government, under the guidance of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, is moving forward in its fight against corruption. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the parliamentary session, Al-Sane revealed another related law will be presented to the Anti-Corruption Authority, Legislation Development Committee at the Ministry of Justice, and a number of other government departments. He said the ministry, in coordination with the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee, decided to be prudent in order to spare the Constitutional Court unnecessary criticisms regarding the appeal. He stressed the government is keen on pushing for the approval of the Anti- Corruption Authority Draft Law, as it guarantees more protection and independence for the authority. Moreover, the Parliament approved the request of Education, Culture and Guidance Affairs Committee Chairman MP Ouda Al-Ruweie to withdraw the third report of the committee on the bills regarding the Press and Publications Law for further study and revision.

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff