Failure to vaccinate animals against infectious disease can carry up to one year imprisonment, QR200,000 fine

Qatar enacted a new animal health law in 2026 that mandates animal owners to report any suspected cases of infectious, epidemic or zoonotic diseases within 24 hours. This law, Law No. 12 of 2026, also requires owners to isolate sick or suspected animals at designated locations and cover the cost of feeding them during the observation period. Owners are prohibited from disposing of animals or their products without approval from both authorities and must pay for any necessary expenses.

If an animal is found healthy after the observation period, the owner must take delivery within two weeks or face penalties. The law also prohibits the trade, disposal or transport of infected or suspected animals and their products, as well as sending pathological samples outside the country or conducting scientific experiments on animals without approval.

Violations of the 24-hour reporting requirement, unauthorised slaughter or disposal, or disclosing information about infected animals can result in a fine of up to QR100,000. However, the most severe punishment is for failing to vaccinate animals against infectious diseases or violating the provisions of Articles (8) and (9) of the law.

This can lead to imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to QR200,000. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties, with a similar offense within three years considered a repeat offense.