Citizen arrested for illegally keeping lion cub in Samarkand

A video has been circulating on social media showing a citizen transporting a lion cub in his car in the Samarkand region. The Samarkand Regional Department of Ecology, the regional prosecutor’s office, and the Department of Internal Affairs have launched an investigation into the incident.

The investigation revealed that a resident of Samarkand district had attempted to hide an African lion cub in a field yard located in the Akboyro mahalla of the district. The cub was discovered tied to a wire fence. It was given first aid, taken to the regional cynology center for temporary shelter, and placed under special care. The animal also underwent a medical examination.

Currently, relevant documentation has been drawn up regarding the violation, and the regional prosecutor’s office is conducting a legal assessment of the situation.

For reference, according to Resolution No. 736 of the Cabinet of Ministers, titled *“On Measures to Improve the Procedure for Keeping Wild Animals,”* from January 1, 2025, individuals will be prohibited from keeping a wide range of wild animals in captivity (based on an approved list), and the use of wild animals in circus performances will also be banned. Under the new rules, such animals may only be kept in zoos, nurseries (terrariums, oceanariums, etc.) operated by legal entities that have obtained the necessary permit from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.

It is worth noting that a similar incident occurred earlier in the Tashkent district of the Tashkent region, where a person was detained for keeping one tiger and four tiger snakes in his apartment.