Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The Committee on Ukraine’s Integration into the EU considers the draft Law No. 5406, which proposes to ban the use of animals in circuses and entertainment events involving animals. The authors of the draft laws are convinced that shows with animals in the circus is a cruel archaic practice that should become the thing of the past. So far, 45 countries around the world have banned the use of animals in circus shows, because trainings are often cruel and violent. They cause physical harm to animals as well as damage their mental health.

What does the draft law No. 5406 offer?

The document proposes to ban from January 1, 2022 the use of animals in circus performances, illegal entertainment events involving animals, including exhibitions of animals that are constantly touring.

The following is prohibited:
• contact zoos,
• mobile menageries,
• animal fights (dogs, roosters, etc.),
• inciting animals against each other,
• circus performances with the involvement of animals — stationary circuses, mobile, tent.

The draft law proposes to establish an exception for:
• exhibitions for domestic and farm animals (selection exhibitions of animals, exhibitions of dogs and cats),
• for sports events involving animals and for stationary zoos,
• rehabilitation centers for wild animals, in which conditions are created for each species in accordance with the established norms of keeping wild animals in captivity and semi-free conditions.

At the same time, the public demonstration of animals in zoos, regional centers for rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals is proposed to be allowed solely for the purpose of acquaintance with the biodiversity of our planet and aims to educate humane treatment of animals.

From January 1, 2022, owners of animals used in circus performances and other illegal entertainment events will be required to provide the animal with decent housing conditions provided by the law. Owners will be obliged to transfer wild and exotic animals to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers, as it is difficult to provide these animals with living conditions that correspond to their species characteristics. The police will also have the right to temporarily seize animals if the cruel treatment of the animal and/or threat to its life or health is confirmed.