A video showing a grandmother walking a monkey on a leash in a bright skirt is actively circulating on social media. While some users admire this exotic animal in the streets of Tashkent, others question the legality of keeping and walking wild animals in an urban environment.
A correspondent from Podrobno.uz requested clarification from human rights activist and public figure Elena Babenko, who specializes in the legal and ethical aspects of animal care.
Requirements for Keeping Wild Animals
The expert emphasized that behind the external appeal of such stories lies a complex legal context. To determine the legality of the situation, it is necessary to establish the species of the animal, the origin of the pet, and whether there are permits for its walking in the city.
From the video recording, it can be assumed that it involves a representative of the macaque genus from the Cercopithecidae family, meaning a wild animal that requires a special mode of keeping. The legal framework in this matter is clearly defined: according to the Rules for Keeping Wild Animals in Populated Areas (No. 2373, registered by the Ministry of Justice on June 21, 2012), keeping such animals without a special permit from the Committee for Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change is prohibited.
The law stipulates that such species must primarily be kept in zoos or specialized breeding centers, provided that strict safety measures and a complete set of documents are maintained. Elena Babenko noted that the animal's tameness does not equate to it being a domestic pet, like a dog or a cat.
Ethical and Legal Responsibility of the Owner
In addition to legal aspects, the human rights activist highlights the ethical side of the issue. Wild species require a specially created habitat, and the owner's responsibility extends not only to the safety of pedestrians but also to the physical condition of the animal itself.
The expert concluded that legislation exists primarily to ensure the well-being of the animals themselves, preserve biodiversity, and protect people, thereby preventing wild fauna from turning into 'living toys'. Currently, official comments from law enforcement agencies and environmental inspection regarding this case are absent.
Threat to Life: An Example from Adygea
A critically important factor is the threat to life. Although keeping wild primates in private homes may seem safe, failure to observe basic precautions often leads to tragic outcomes. A shocking incident occurred in July of this year in Adygea, where an escaped primate fatally attacked an 84-year-old woman and severely injured her 39-year-old grandson.
The investigation established that the family had organized an illegal pet farm with ten monkeys on their dacha plot. The tragedy happened during feeding when the pensioner opened the enclosure, and the enraged animal attacked the people. The woman died from her injuries, and law enforcement agencies initiated a criminal case under the article on causing death by negligence regarding the person's death.
Despite videos of the primate being walked appearing on social networks for several months, an official response from the environmental inspection and law enforcement agencies of Tashkent has yet to be received.