Rules for keeping wild animals in captivity

By Resolution of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus No. 6 dated 26.02.2025, amendments have been made to the departmental resolution No. 16 dated 27.02.2007 "On establishing requirements for the keeping and/or breeding of wild animals in captivity, as well as other requirements for the protection of wildlife objects".

The Rules stipulate that enclosures for the temporary keeping of wild ungulate animals may be located at a distance of at least 5 km from highways designated "M" and "R", with the exception of enclosures for temporary keeping created before April 3, 2025, which house wild ungulate animals until their release into their habitats.

It has been determined that after exhibition at travelling exhibitions, wild animals must be returned by their owners to the locations specified in the registration certificates for wild animals kept and/or bred in captivity (including their offspring reaching the age of 3 months), belonging to species included in the Red Book of Belarus, or being CITES specimens and other wild animals.

The fact of return is confirmed by an act drawn up by the relevant inspectorate of natural resources and environmental protection, the Minsk City Committee of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, in the presence of the owners.

Provisions concerning the confirmation of the birth of offspring of wild animals have been excluded.

Resolution No. 6 entered into force on April 3, 2025.