Uzbekistan Enhances Accountability for the Conservation of Wild Animals

Uzbekistan has introduced penalties for the illegal keeping of wild animals following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev‘s signing of amendments to the Administrative Code.

Under the new law, individuals who keep wild animals in captivity or artificially created conditions will face fines ranging from five to ten times the Base Regulatory Value (BRV), which is equivalent to 1.88 to 3.75 mln soums. Additionally, the wild animals involved may be confiscated.

If a violation of this ban results in damage to someone else’s property or poses a threat to public health, the fine will increase to 10 to 50 times the BRV, amounting to 11.25 to 18.75 mln soums.

The law also establishes punishments for violations related to animal management in urban areas. Fines for citizens range from three to five times the BRV (1.13 to 1.88 mln soums), while officials could face fines of five to ten times the BRV (1.88 to 3.75 mln soums).

Furthermore, officials can be penalized for failing to fulfil their responsibilities in catching and managing stray animals. If such failures cause damage to property or health, the maximum fine for citizens can rise to 15 times the BRV (5.63 mln soums), while officials may face fines of up to 30 times the BRV (11.25 mln soums).

Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that boxer Shahram Giyasov was fined one mln soums for engaging in a fight with a bear.