Doha, Qatar: Animal owners in Qatar must report suspected cases of infectious, epidemic or zoonotic diseases within 24 hours under Law No. 12 of 2026 on animal health, published in Issue 17 of the Official Gazette.

Owners must arrange veterinary examinations and isolate sick or suspected animals at locations designated by the authorities. The law also prohibits the unauthorised sale, transport, slaughter or disposal of infected or suspected animals, as well as their products, waste and carcasses.

Authorities may declare affected areas as infected zones until they are officially declared disease-free. The law also establishes an Animal Health Compensation Committee to consider claims from owners whose animals die or are disposed of following official orders.

Failure to vaccinate animals against infectious diseases, along with certain other violations, can result in imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to QR200,000. Other specified violations carry fines of up to QR100,000, with penalties doubled for repeat offences. The law will come into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.

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