Uzbekistan to Implement Ban on Wild Animals in Circuses Starting 2025

Tashkent, Uzbekistan - In a significant move for animal welfare, Uzbekistan has announced that it will ban the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses starting from January 1, 2025, according to reports from nova24.uz cited by AKIPRESS.COM.

This forthcoming legislation will affect both state-run and traveling circuses across the country. Furthermore, the law will extend to private individuals, prohibiting the keeping of wild animals as pets. Under the new regulations, wild animals can only be housed in specialized facilities such as zoos, terrariums, oceanariums, and serpentariums, provided these are operated by legal entities with explicit permission from the Ministry of Ecology.

The decision reflects a growing global trend towards recognizing the ethical implications of using wild animals in entertainment settings, focusing on the well-being of the animals involved. This ban is anticipated to foster better conservation practices and enhance the quality of life for wildlife in Uzbekistan.