A conflict occurred in Odesa, southern Ukraine during the rally for the circus without animals. Four activists were detained. The press-service of the police of Odesa region reported this on Sunday.
“The activists ignored the legal demand of the officers not to violate the order; they blocked the entrance to the circus and provoked a clash with the policemen,” the report said.
Three offenders were brought to administrative charge under Article 173 (minor hooliganism) of Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. Besides, with two other activists, the police will draw up reports under the Article 185 (disobedience to the lawful order or to the demand of a policeman, a member of a public formation for the protection of public order and the state border, and a serviceman) of Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses.
Two administrative reports were drawn up with the last activist near the circus under the respective articles of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. All four activists were interrogated and then set free.
Earlier, Ukraine’s ministry for Environment and Natural Resources supported the idea of a legal ban on animal abuse in circuses. Oleg Babych, the lawyer and environmental expert, re-posted the respective queries from the government and the Parliament’s committee.