A ban on the production, sale and intermediation of content depicting zoophilia; an end to the practice of keeping dogs on chains. The proposal concerns the introduction of an operating licence for animal shelters and the establishment of requirements for the keeping of animals in such establishments.

Act amending the Animal Protection Act and the Veterinary Act

The ban on zoophilia is formulated more precisely and comprehensively. Keeping dogs permanently on a chain is prohibited, but keeping dogs temporarily on a chain is permitted. In the act, a total ban is planned to take effect from 1 January 2032 onwards.

With the aim of obtaining a more accurate overview of the establishments operating in Estonia that provide temporary accommodation for stray animals, and in order to ensure good conditions for the keeping of captured stray animals at such establishments, a licensing requirement is imposed on shelter operators and more specific requirements for shelters are laid down. As a result, every shelter operator, including those operating as non-profit organisations, must apply for an operating licence before commencing operations. Licensing requirements provide a clearer overview of establishments operating in this sector; this, in turn, will help to improve state supervision and assists both to those searching for a stray animal and to people wishing to adopt a pet from such an establishment. Furthermore, additional requirements regarding the keeping of animals in shelters – including both supplementary welfare standards and the obligation to provide the new owner with the animal’s health records upon handover – may encourage people to adopt a pet from a shelter