Lawmakers in Uzbekistan are preparing a new draft law aimed at strengthening protections for animals and tackling cruelty more effectively, officials said.
The initiative, developed by the Ecological Party’s faction in parliament, comes despite a recent decline in reported abuse cases. Deputies say existing penalties remain insufficient, as incidents of cruelty continuer to occur, sometimes without clear motive.
In March, Uzbekistan already increased fines and introduced administrative detention of up to 15 days for offenders. However, the new bill, titled «On the Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment», is designed to create a broader legal framework focused on both punishment and prevention.
The draft proposes clearer definitions of animal cruelty, stricter penalties including fines of up to 200 times the base calculation amount, and possible prison sentences of up to one year.
It also requires offenders to fully cover veterinary treatment costs and introduces new responsibilities for pet owners, including proper care and a ban on abandoning animals.
Additional measures include support for pet-friendly public spaces, recognition of guide and emotional support animals in public transport, and education campaigns to promote humane treatment.
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