Oman crime: Three arrested over killing of gazelles

Muscat: Three hunters were arrested on Friday and charged with allegedly killing Arabian gazelles in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate.
The suspects were arrested by officers from the Wildlife Conservation Unit at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs.
According to Royal Decree 6/2003 regarding the Wildlife Conservation Law, Article 15b states that those who deliberately kill, hunt or smuggle any protected animal or bird shall be imprisoned for no less than six months and not more than five years and be issued a fine not less than OMR1,000 and not more than OMR5,000, or receive either of these punishments. The protected animals include the Arabian Oryx, Arabian Leopard, Arabian Tahr, Sand Gazelle, Nubian Ibex, Striped Hyena, Arabian Gazelle, Houbara Bustard and the Caracal.