Person who illegally kept an eagle in Syrdarya was punished

An eagle listed in the Red Book was found to be illegally kept in the Syrdarya region, according to the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.  

The investigation was conducted based on a complaint received by the department and the district Internal Affairs Department. During the inquiry, it was discovered that a citizen, Y.A., in the Boyovut district was illegally keeping an eagle—a bird of prey listed in Uzbekistan’s Red Book.  

As a result, an administrative report was filed against the citizen under Article 92 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Violation of the rules for the protection of animal habitats, the creation and trade of zoological and botanical collections, as well as unauthorized relocation, acclimatization, or crossbreeding of animals). He was fined 1,875,000 sums, equivalent to five times the basic calculation amount.  

“The eagle will be released into the wild after a medical examination,” the report stated.  

For reference, the eagle is a naturally rare, resident, and locally widespread species of bird. It has always existed in small numbers, with approximately 200 pairs currently living in Uzbekistan.  

Additionally, in accordance with Resolution No. 736 of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, dated November 5, 2024, from January 1, 2025, individuals will be prohibited from keeping certain wild animals in semi-free conditions, artificially created habitats, or in captivity. The resolution also bans the use of these animals in performances by state and mobile circuses (tents).  

Under this resolution, prohibited animals may only be kept in zoos, nurseries (such as terrariums and oceanariums), or other authorized facilities operated by legal entities with the appropriate permit from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change.  

It is worth noting that a similar case was previously reported in the Bukhara region. A citizen residing in the Kokishtuvan neighborhood of the Romitan district was found illegally keeping a wild lion cub in his home. In that case, an administrative report was filed under Part 1 of Article 92-1 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility, and the matter was referred to judicial authorities. The lion cub was temporarily placed in a zoo.