KUWAIT, Aug 22 (KUNA) -- Kuwaiti security personnel caught a runaway lion in Kabad region on Wednesday and handed the animal to the zoo, an official said.
The competent authorities, when the Ministry of Interior was informed about the lion roaming the district, rapidly reacted and caught it in a very short period of time, said Ali Al-Gattan, the deputy director general of Kuwait Livestock Authority in a statement.
Al-Qattan indicated that the lion might have escaped from the owner who kept it as a pet.
The owner of the animal has not been identified yet, however, there will be coordination with the MoI to identify him, he said.
Legal procedures will be taken against him because law forbids raising such a wild animal in houses in Kuwait for they pose a threat to peoples' safety, Al-Gattan added.
Meanwhile, the MoI issued a statement affirming that the lion, who appeared in a video clip on social media networks, was under control and that procedures to summon his owner were underway.
Personnel from the Public Security, the Environment Police and Al-Najdah Police rushed to the location where the lion was seen wandering freely.
Article 101 of the environment protection law and its amendments stipulate penalty for such cases reaching three years behind bars, or a KD 50 (USD 165) fine. (end) mf.rk