Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The second plenary session of the Senate discussed the Law "On Amendments and Additions to the Administrative Liability Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan."

It was noted that, in line with wildlife protection and utilization, there is a ban on the private ownership of certain species of wild animals.

Along with this, a list of wild animals banned from being kept by private individuals in semi-wild conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity was approved.

It was emphasized that due to the lack of legal accountability for the illegal keeping of wild animals listed in this list, cases of severe violations of wild animal care rules have occurred. Between 2022 and 2024, six cases of significant danger to the lives and health of citizens were recorded.

This Law amends the Administrative Liability Code to establish liability for keeping wild animals that are banned from private ownership in semi-wild conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity, as well as for causing harm to people's health and the property of legal and private individuals. It also strengthens the responsibility for violating animal care rules.

In particular, the Code is supplemented with a new Article 921, which stipulates that the keeping of wild animals banned for private ownership in semi-wild conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity results in a fine for citizens ranging from five to ten basic calculated units, along with the confiscation of the animals.

If this violation causes harm to people's health or the property of legal and private individuals, in the absence of criminal intent, the fine will range from thirty to fifty basic calculated units, with the animals being confiscated.

Moreover, violations of animal care rules in cities and other settlements, as well as the failure of officials to take appropriate measures to capture and care for stray animals, will result in a fine for citizens ranging from three to five, and for officials, from five to ten basic calculated units.

If this violation causes harm to people's health or the property of legal and private individuals, in the absence of criminal intent, the fine will range from ten to fifteen for citizens and from fifteen to thirty basic calculated units for officials.

Senators noted that the Law aims to prevent the illegal keeping of wild animals banned for private ownership, ensure compliance with domestic animal care regulations, and safeguard public safety.

The Law was approved by the senators.