The Culture Ministry has proposed a bill to regulate the use of animals in entertainment, according to the government's official website for pending legislation.
The bill proposes prohibiting the use of punishment "that can endanger the animal's health or is so painful as to cause stress."
"Interaction between people and animals in creative spheres should be based on playing, the demonstration of the animal's beauty using humane methods of training," the bill says.
"Animals must be handled with due regard for the biological and individual characteristics of their species and with the use of methods that exclude the possibility of physical or psychological traumas, stress or considerable pain," the bill says. "Animals can only be used in creative spheres if it does not endanger their life or health."
Animals are widely used in circus shows and other performances in Russia, often in conditions that attract sharp criticism from animal rights experts. Forlorn-looking exotic animals accompanied by entrepreneurial owners who charge passers-by for having their photo taken with the animals are also a common sight on streets in Russia, where prosecutions for cruelty to animals are rare.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
