Animal rights organization UAnimals has reported possible exploitation of wild animals at Feldman Ecopark and the lack of official permits to keep them. Activists have appealed to the police and state authorities to conduct inspections after animals were taken to the Barabashovo market for photo shoots, which they say violates the law and causes stress to the animals.
Kharkiv regional police said that during the inspection they found no signs of cruelty: the animals were transported legally, the events were charitable, and experts did not record injuries or suffering.
However, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture noted that the ecopark does not have the status of a zoo and does not have the appropriate permits to keep wild animals.
Comment by lawyer Roman Chumak:
“According to the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty”, conducting photo services with wild animals is possible only on condition that the animals do not suffer, and the institution has the appropriate status and permits.”
This situation caused a public outcry and emphasized the need to comply with legislation on animal protection and control the activities of such institutions.