Fines up to 18.7 million sums for illegal wild animal ownership in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, individuals who illegally keep wild animals will now face fines of up to 18 million 750 thousand sums. This measure is outlined in the Law on Amendments and Supplements to the Code of Administrative Responsibility, which was signed by the President on January 16.

According to the law, individuals found keeping wild animals that are prohibited from being kept in semi-free conditions, artificially created habitats, or captivity will face a fine ranging from 5 to 10 times the minimum wage, which is between 1 million 875 thousand sums and 3 million 750 thousand sums.

If the violation leads to harm to human health or the property of individuals or legal entities, the animals will be confiscated, and fines will increase significantly, ranging from 30 to 50 times the minimum wage, or from 11 million 250 thousand to 18 million 750 thousand sums.

The law also addresses violations related to the keeping of animals in urban areas. Citizens who fail to follow the rules for keeping animals or officials who neglect their duty to manage stray animals will be fined. Citizens will face fines from 3 to 5 times the minimum wage (1 million 125 thousand to 1 million 875 thousand sums), while officials will be fined from 5 to 10 times the minimum wage (1 million 875 thousand to 3 million 750 thousand sums).

If these violations cause damage to people's health or property, citizens will be fined between 10 and 15 times the minimum wage (3 million 750 thousand to 5 million 625 thousand sums), and officials will face fines between 15 and 30 times the minimum wage (5 million 625 thousand to 11 million 250 thousand sums).

It is important to note that Uzbekistan has previously approved a list of animals that citizens are prohibited from keeping at home.