The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association has drafted amendments regarding criminal liability for animal cruelty, or why the country needs a law named after “Runi”
The high-profile story involving the death of a deer in the Kyiv region has taken a new turn—this time at the legislative level. In the Vyshhorod District, at the “Na Rogakh” Ecopark, a deer named Runi was killed; this year, Runi had every chance of becoming Europe’s finest red deer based on its trophy qualities. The incident sparked significant public outcry—and did not go unnoticed by the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association (UNLA).
Animal Euthanasia Without Proper Qualifications
The professional community notes that the current level of liability for poaching does not effectively deter those who kill wild animals with impunity. According to experts, the case involving Runi has all the hallmarks of intentional animal killing; however, current legislation does not provide the tools for an adequate legal classification of such actions or for the fair punishment of those responsible.
That is why a bill has been drafted that provides for the following:
- a significant increase in criminal penalties for poaching;
- the introduction of additional qualifying elements for crimes involving wild animals;
- Establishing a separate legal classification for cases of intentional and cruel killing of animals.
The relevant proposals will be submitted for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement.
The Association emphasizes that the law should protect not only people but also wildlife from brazen cruelty—and that is precisely why the public has already begun informally referring to the upcoming initiative as the “Runi Act.”
A Responsible Approach to Socially Significant Initiatives
As a responsible organization, the Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association is committed to implementing socially significant initiatives, recognizing that the protection of the environment and wildlife is as much a matter of legal culture and state responsibility as the protection of human rights. The Association views this initiative as part of its systematic efforts to improve Ukraine’s environmental and criminal legislation.
You can view the prepared documents and the draft amendments at the following link: https://unla.org.ua/documents/
Join the discussion
The Ukrainian National Lobbyists Association invites experts, representatives of environmental organizations, and all concerned citizens to join the discussion of the draft law. Please send your suggestions and comments to the UNLA email address: [email protected].
