Yes, feeding stray cats is not explicitly prohibited under Saudi Arabia’s general animal welfare laws, but municipal and municipal-linked regulations often impose indirect restrictions. The Kingdom’s 2023 Animal Welfare Law emphasizes controlled pet ownership and public health, while local authorities in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam enforce municipal decrees that may require permits for feeding animals in public spaces. Non-compliance risks fines or confiscation under municipal safety ordinances.
Key Regulations for Feeding Stray Cats in Saudi Arabia
- Municipal Permits: Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah mandate permits for organized feeding programs under municipal health and safety bylaws (e.g., Riyadh Municipality’s Public Health Regulations, 2021).
- Public Nuisance Clauses: Feeding in unauthorized areas may violate Public Decency and Safety Regulations (2024), triggering fines up to SAR 5,000 for litter or health hazards.
- Animal Welfare Law Alignment: The 2023 Animal Welfare Law (Royal Decree M/113) prioritizes sterilization and shelter-based care; unregistered feeding may conflict with municipal animal control programs.
Local authorities increasingly enforce these rules via digital surveillance (e.g., Riyadh’s Haya app) to monitor unauthorized feeding. Violators face escalating penalties, including mandatory sterilization costs.