“According to the latest data, only every tenth circus and zoo has received a license in Russia. The others are operating illegally without a license. These businesses must be closed, and the animals should be placed with the rehabilitation centers,” said the speaker.
According to Rosselkhoznadzor, 147 organizations have been granted licenses by the end of December. There are about 600 organizations that use animals for cultural and entertainment purposes. At the same time, there are around 500 organizations that use animals for entrepreneurial activities in the field of culture, sports, leisure and entertainment.
Under current legislation, the organizations that keep and use animals for cultural and entertainment purposes without a license will face a fine of RUB 4,000 - 5,000. Legal entities will be imposed a penalty fine of RUB 40,000-50,000.
Apart from that, the State Duma adopted amendments to the Code of Administrative Infractions of the Russian Federation during its first reading which aim to impose a tougher penalty up to RUB 200,000 on zoos, circuses and other organizations for operating without a valid license.
As the Veterinary Medicine and Life wrote earlier, in 2022 Rosselkhoznadzor will conduct inspections to organizations that have not applied for a license.
