Yes, keeping roadkill is legally permissible in Saudi Arabia under strict conditions outlined by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development (NCVCD) and the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA). The practice is permitted only if the carcass is reported to authorities within 24 hours, verified as non-protected species, and processed under hygiene protocols enforced by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA). Recent 2026 amendments to the Wildlife Conservation Law further clarify that unauthorized possession of protected species—even as roadkill—remains punishable by fines up to SAR 500,000 or imprisonment.
Key Regulations for Keeping Roadkill in Saudi Arabia
- Species Protection: Only non-protected species (e.g., common birds, rodents) may be kept; all native mammals, reptiles, and birds listed under MEWA’s 2023 Protected Species List are strictly off-limits.
- Reporting Mandate: Carcasses must be reported to the NCVCD’s Wildlife Reporting Portal or local SWA offices within 24 hours; failure to do so constitutes a misdemeanor under Article 12 of the Wildlife Conservation Law.
- Processing Standards: Meat or byproducts from roadkill may only be utilized after MEWA-approved veterinary inspection; uncertified handling violates the 2021 Food Safety Law and risks SAR 200,000 fines.