Senators approved amendments addressing the illegal possession of wild animals by citizens.

As reported by the press service of the upper chamber of the national parliament, it was noted during the meeting that there is a prohibition on the possession of certain species of wild animals by individuals in the protection and use of wildlife. A list of wild animals that are prohibited from being kept by individuals in semi-wild conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity has been approved.

However, due to the lack of established liability in legislative acts for the illegal possession of wild animals included in this list, there have been instances of serious violations of wildlife keeping rules. Between 2022 and 2024, 6 cases of significant danger to the life and health of citizens were recorded.

The reviewed law introduces amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, establishing liability for keeping wild animals that are prohibited for individuals in semi-wild conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity, for causing harm to the health of people and the property of legal and physical entities, as well as enhancing responsibility for violations of animal keeping rules.

Specifically, the Code of Administrative Offenses is supplemented by a new article 921, which states that the keeping of wild animals prohibited for individuals in semi-wild conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity will result in a fine for individuals ranging from 5 to 10 basic calculated units (BCU) along with the confiscation of these animals.

If such an offense causes harm to the health of individuals or property of legal and physical entities, in the absence of criminal signs, a fine for individuals will range from 30 to 50 BCU with confiscation of these animals.

Additionally, violations of animal keeping rules in cities and other populated areas, as well as the failure of officials to take measures for the capture and maintenance of stray animals, will result in fines for individuals ranging from 3 to 5 BCU, and for officials, from 5 to 10 BCU.

If such an offense results in harm to the health of individuals or property of legal and physical entities, in the absence of criminal signs, a fine for individuals will range from 10 to 15 BCU, and for officials, from 15 to 30 BCU.

The senators approved the law.

Let us recall that recently, in a private zoo in the Tashkent region, lions escaped from their cages and attacked a guard, who died from the injuries inflicted by them.