The law... does not ban cruel treatment of animals

President Viktor Yushchenko of Ukraine has vetoed the Law on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals passed by the Verkhovna Rada on Sept. 8 on the grounds that it is imperfect. Interestingly, this step was welcomed by none others than protectors of animals. Tamara Tarnavska, president of the SOS international civic organization, told The Day that some clauses of this law, initiated by public utility services, had evoked protests. For instance, civic organizations oppose the suggested standards of keeping domestic animals — not more than three mature individuals in an apartment. There were also other disputable points.

It is very important to have an animal protection law. Until it is passed again and signed by the president, it is not forbidden in this country to keep animals in the conditions that do not meet their biological, specific and individual particularities, it is not obligatory to satisfy their natural needs in food, water, sleeping, movement and contacts with their likes, as well as in natural activity. Nor is it forbidden to deprive animals of the required space, temperature, humidity, natural lighting, ventilation, and the possibility of their contact with the natural environment.

Still to be adopted are the long-awaited standards of keeping wild animals. As is known, rich people have developed a fad lately to keep, say, a crocodile or a tiger. So, in the absence of a respective law, it is allowed to keep wild animals in captivity even in totally unfavorable conditions and without permission from environmental authorities. In other words, if you want to keep a crocodile in the bathtub, no problem!

The ability to take a civilized attitude to our “lesser brethren” also reflects on the reputation of a country. Suffice it to recall international scandals about cruel treatment of stray dogs in Kyiv.