Ukrainian legislation must be brought into line with the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. These legislative changes are covered by draft law No. 11328, which was supported by parliament in its first reading on Thursday, January 15.
This was announced on the official website of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. 233 MPs voted in favor.
EcoPolitic has prepared an overview of the law and the changes it will introduce.
Care and humanity – the basis of our attitude towards animals
Bill No. 11328 will increase the responsibility for cruelty to animals, improve the mechanism for their protection, and clearly define the rights that animals have. It amends the laws "On the Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment" and "On Local Self-Government in Ukraine."
Specific improvements in "quality of life"
- Clear explanation of terms. In particular, the law fixes definitions such as “abandonment of animals,” “proper conditions for keeping animals,” “animal welfare,” “a person keeping a pet,” “pedigree pet,” and “doghunter.” Defining these terms will make it possible to qualify perpetrators' actions and hold them accountable, protecting the animals.
- Restrictions on ‘commercial’ use. Animals are prohibited from being used in advertising, exhibitions, entertainment, or other events where proper conditions are not met. These conditions are also defined by law – they must guarantee that animal welfare, health, and life are kept safe.
- Ban on ‘cosmetic’ procedures. The document prohibits surgical interventions that are not for treatment purposes. This refers, in particular, to operations performed for “aesthetic” reasons or for the owners’ comfort – ear and tail docking, declawing and tooth removal, or devocalization. This change is based on a core animal welfare principle: animals must not be subjected to unnecessary pain or suffering.
- The fate of stray animals. The draft law proposes partial regulation of this issue and also prohibits interfering with feeding such animals or providing them any assistance.
- Information and education work. The document provides for the definition of information and educational programs regarding humane treatment of animals. It also determines who will be responsible for developing and implementing such programs.
Social value
Dozens of public animal rights, human rights, and environmental organizations participated in preparing the draft law.
The animal protection community UAnimals also welcomed the parliament's decision. They emphasized that the draft law will finally stop the uncontrolled breeding of animals in improper conditions, prohibit keeping them tethered without walks, and allow holding irresponsible caretakers accountable for abandoning animals.
ЕcoPolitic previously reported that the European Union is preparing to adopt the first legislative act that will regulate the rules for breeding and keeping cats and dogs.
