The animal welfare organization UAnimals, with the support of Eurogroup for Animals and taking into account comments from the Save the Wild International Charitable Foundation, has prepared an analytical report entitled “Protection of Wild Animals in Ukraine: Analysis of Legal Gaps and Proposals for Comprehensive Reform”. The document aims to improve national legislation in the field of wildlife protection, particularly for animals kept in captivity.
What is wrong with the current laws?
Today, the laws on keeping wild animals in captivity do not provide real safety for animals:
- wild animals are kept in circuses, petting zoos, and private collections without proper conditions;
- there is no clear procedure for issuing permits, so any keeping is mostly illegal;
- the state has almost no control over the situation due to a moratorium on inspections;
- penalties for violations of the law are ineffective, and illegal trade in wild and red-listed animals is still widespread.
Proposals for comprehensive reform
UAnimals proposes specific steps to create a transparent and humane system for the protection of wild animals, including:
- Allow the keeping of wild animals only by institutions with nature conservation objectives and mandatory licensing.
- Prohibit the use of animals in circuses and any entertainment events.
- prohibiting any private ownership and commercial use of species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine;
- introducing transparent control over the trade in wild animals based on the norms of the European CITES convention;
- updating the rules for keeping animals in captivity in line with modern international standards;
- strengthen control by state authorities and lift the moratorium on inspections.
What is our goal?
The document has been prepared and sent to the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. It will also be useful for anyone working in the field of nature conservation in Ukraine and the EU.
The document is based on a comparative analysis of Ukrainian and EU legislation, particularly in the context of Ukraine’s integration into the EU and the fulfillment of its obligations.
UAnimals calls on the authorities to take these proposals into account and to promote the creation of a transparent, humane, and effective system for the protection of wild animals in Ukraine that complies with best European practices and protects the country’s unique biodiversity.
What can you do?
Read the UAnimals analytical report and familiarize yourself with the proposals for reforming wildlife protection. Share the information with your friends and colleagues so that more people are aware of the problems and possible solutions. Also, urge Ukrainian authorities to implement real changes and create laws that protect animals and prevent their suffering.
Your involvement and activism will help make the lives of wild animals safer and more humane.
