The Verkhovna Rada has legally intensified the fight against cruelty against animals.
The adoption of the relevant bill No. 2351 On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine (Regarding the Implementation of Certain International Agreements and EU Directives in the Field of Fauna and Flora)” at the second reading was supported by 285 MPs at an extraordinary meeting on July 15.
The law requires a leash for dogs and other pets that may pose a danger to human life or health, as well as a muzzle on dogs of dangerous breeds (including Doberman, Great Dane, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, American Bulldog, Bull Terrier).
However, pets must now have collars with identification marks.
The law prohibits keeping animals subject to administrative penalties or sanctions for cruelty against animals for one year, as well as for ten years from the date of entry into force of the conviction of persons involved in criminal proceedings, who have been prosecuted for animal cruelty or have been acquitted or the case has been closed for non-rehabilitative reasons.
By law, veterinary care must include animal euthanasia services to end the animal’s suffering if they cannot be stopped otherwise. At the same time, killing is prohibited to regulate the number of stray animals.
The law prohibits the use of animals as targets in shooting training or in shooting competitions.
According to the law, during branding, tagging, biosterilization, circumcision of the beak, removal or circumcision of horns and other painful procedures, anesthesia methods must be used.
Cruelty to animals, including the homeless animals, entails a fine of 200 to 300 non-taxable minimum incomes (Hr 3,400-5,100) with confiscation of the animal, if the stay of the animal with the owner poses a threat to his life or health.
For keeping dogs and cats in places where it is prohibited by the relevant rules, walking dogs without leashes and muzzles, as well as failure of the owner to clean the animal’s excrement during the stay of the animal in a public place provides warning or imposition of a fine on citizens from ten to twenty non-taxable minimum incomes (Hr 170-340) and warning or imposition of a fine on officials – from twenty to fifty non-taxable minimum incomes citizens (Hr 340-850).
The law enters into force on the day following its publication, and will be enacted three months after its entry into force.
