Uzbekistan Set to Ban Use of Wild Animals in Circuses

By [Your Name], Alayaran.com Staff Writer

TASHKENT - In a move towards enhancing animal welfare, Uzbekistan has announced plans to prohibit the use of wild animals in circus performances starting January 1, 2025, according to reports from nova24.uz.

The forthcoming legislation will apply to both state-operated and traveling circuses across the nation. Additionally, the law will make it illegal for private individuals to keep wild animals as pets, aiming to curb the exploitation of wildlife for entertainment purposes.

Under the new regulations, wild animals listed in the ban can only be housed in facilities like zoos, terrariums, oceanariums, and serpentariums, but only if these are operated by legal entities with explicit permission from the Ministry of Ecology. This initiative reflects Uzbekistan's commitment to improving the conditions under which animals are kept, ensuring they are treated with respect and care.

This legislative change is part of a broader trend where countries are reevaluating the ethics of using animals in entertainment, recognizing the need for more humane treatment and conservation efforts for wildlife.