Bill to Ban Mass Euthanasia of Animals Registered in Parliament

On October 30, 2019, ten Members of Parliament registered bill No. 2351 in the Verkhovna Rada, aimed at protecting animals and implementing European humane values.

The bill prohibits:

• euthanasia as a method of regulating stray animal populations;
• smuggling of wild animals;
• promotion of animal cruelty;
• violence against stray animals;
• photography with wild animals in settlements;
• begging with animals;
• keeping large wild animals in unsuitable places;
• walling up animals in basements;
• leaving animals in vehicles at extreme temperatures.

The document strengthens criminal and administrative liability for cruelty, enhances the fight against poaching, and expands the rights of local councils. It also introduces administrative liability from age 16 and criminal liability from age 14, and allows police to temporarily seize animals.