Uzbekistan to Implement Ban on Wild Animals in Circus Performances

Tashkent, Uzbekistan - In a significant move towards animal welfare, Uzbekistan has announced a forthcoming ban on the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses, effective January 1, 2025, according to nova24.uz.

The legislation will cover both state-run and traveling circuses, prohibiting the exploitation of wild animals in performances. Furthermore, the new law will make it illegal for private individuals to keep these animals in captivity.

Under the new regulations, wild animals can only be housed in specialized facilities such as zoos, terrariums, oceanariums, and serpentariums, which must be operated by legal entities with explicit permission from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change.

This decision reflects a growing global trend towards recognizing the rights of animals and ensuring their humane treatment, particularly in environments not suited to their natural behaviors and needs. The ban aims to end the long-standing practice of using animals in circus acts, which often involve unnatural and stressful conditions for the creatures involved.

The move has been welcomed by animal rights activists who have long campaigned for such changes, highlighting the detrimental effects of circus life on wild animals' physical and psychological health.

The Ministry of Ecology has yet to detail the comprehensive list of animals affected by the ban, but it is expected to include a broad range of species typically seen in circus performances worldwide.

This legislative change marks a pivotal shift in Uzbekistan's approach to animal rights, aligning the country with international standards that advocate for the ethical treatment of wildlife.