Global News - August 2007

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Dubai looks to stop trade in endangered animal products

Tue 21 August 2007 16:15 UK — Asia

Officials in Dubai have cracked down on shops which sell items made from endangered animals.

The Gulf News reports that inspectors have already confiscated prayer beads (tasbih beads) and shawls made from ivory and other materials from rare animals.

Officials said that the trade of such goods was prohibited in Dubai as the UAE has signed up to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Salim Mesmar, director of public health in the state, told the paper: "Dubai Municipality strictly monitors the local market in order to effectively enforce Cites through inspection visits to shops selling rare items as well as pet shops.

"Pet shops should be properly licensed by the competent authorities and keep all required documents ready for verification. Besides, during the visit, we make sure that the animals and birds are kept in a sound, hygienic and healthy environment.

"Also, the shop-owners will have to fill up a Cites Inspection Card prepared by the veterinary services section and send it to us."

Recently, government officials and wildlife groups in the UK warned holidaymakers not to buy items possibly produced from endangered animals.

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