Uzbekistan approves list of animals banned from private ownership

The Uzbek Cabinet of Ministers approved a list of animals that citizens are prohibited from keeping at home, as outlined in the decision "On Measures to Improve the Order of Keeping Wild Animals," signed on November 5.

Effective January 1, 2025, the decision states that:

- Individuals are forbidden from keeping wild animals listed as prohibited in semi-free conditions, artificially created habitats, or in captivity.
- Wild animals may not be kept in state or mobile circuses or used in circus performances.
- Wild animals on the restricted list may only be kept in zoos and specialized facilities (terrariums, aquariums, serpentariums) operated by authorized entities and with permits issued by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Uzbekistan.
- Species listed in Uzbekistan’s Red Book, particularly wild and venomous animals, must be housed in designated kennels as per legal requirements.

The restricted animals include venomous scorpions, spiders, certain species of snakes, as well as larger animals like lions, cheetahs, wolves, and hyenas.