The translation of this document is outdated.
Translation validity: 13.07.2017.–23.12.2019.
Amendments not included:
21.11.2019.
Text consolidated by Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre) with amending laws of:
6 December 2001 [shall come
into force from 5 January 2002];
6 February 2003 [shall come into force from 6 March
2003];
8 July 2003 [shall come into force from 6 August
2003];
14 April 2005 [shall come into force from 19 May
2005];
19 December 2006 [shall come into force from 1 January
2007];
20 December 2007 [shall come into force from 18 January
2008];
17 September 2009 [shall come into force from 14 October
2009];
31 March 2010 [shall come into force from 4 May
2010];
16 December 2010 [shall come into force from 1 January
2011];
8 March 2012 [shall come into force from 15 April
2012];
12 June 2014 [shall come into force from 11 July
2014];
15 June 2017 [shall come into force from 13 July
2017].
If a whole or part of a section has been amended, the
date of the amending law appears in square brackets at
the end of the section. If a whole section, paragraph or
clause has been deleted, the date of the deletion appears
in square brackets beside the deleted section, paragraph
or clause.
|
The Saeima1 has adopted and
President has proclaimed the following law:
Animal
Protection Law
The ethical obligation of humankind is to ensure the welfare
and protection of all species of animals, because every unique
being is in itself of value. A human being has a moral obligation
to honour any creature, to treat animals with empathic
understanding and to protect them. Without a substantiated reason
no one is permitted to kill an animal, to cause it pain, create
suffering or to otherwise harm it.
Chapter I
General Provisions
Section 1.
The terms used in this Law are as follows:
1) exhibition animal - an animal which is kept for
display to the public for public entertainment or education
purpose, as well as a circus animal, except for an animal which
is kept in a zoo;
2) animal owner - a legal or natural person who owns an
animal;
3) animal keeper - a person in whose custody and care
is an animal;
4) animal shelter - a specially equipped place for
boarding of caught, alienated animals and animals in a helpless
situation;
5) animal boarding facility - a specially equipped
place where owners of pet animals may leave their animals to be
cared for, for a specified period of time;
6) euthanasia - interruption of life functions of an
animal in a painless way;
7) experimental animal - an animal bred for procedures
or to be used therein;
8) experimental animal breeder - a person who breeds
the animals referred to in Annex to this Law for the use in
procedures or for the use of tissues or organs thereof for
scientific purposes, or who breeds other animals mainly for such
purposes, whether for profit or not;
9) experimental animal user - a person who uses an
animal in a procedure, whether for profit or not;
10) experimental animal supplier - a person, other than
a breeder of the animal, supplying an experimental animal with a
view to its use in procedures or for the use of its tissues or
organs for scientific purposes, whether for profit or not;
11) experimental project - a programme of work having a
defined scientific objective, and involving one or several
procedures;
12) welfare- the totality of measures for ensuring the
physiological and ethological needs of an animal;
13) animal kept for farming purposes - an animal that
is bred and kept for the acquisition of products of animal origin
or for other agricultural purposes, including an animal of wild
species kept in an enclosed area and an animal obtained by the
methods of genetic modifications;
14) pet animal - an animal which is kept by a human
being for his or her pleasure;
15) procedure - invasive or non-invasive use of an
animal for experimental or other scientific purpose, with known
or unknown outcome, or for educational purposes which may cause
the animal pain, suffering, discomfort or lasting harm equivalent
to that caused by the introduction of a needle according to the
veterinary medical practice, or exceeds it. This includes any
actions which result or may result in the birth or hatching of an
animal, or the creation or maintenance of a new genetically
modified animal line in such circumstances, but this does not
apply to the killing of animals for the sole purpose of using
their organs or tissue;
16) animal of wild species - an animal the evolution of
which has not been deliberately affected by a human in order to
satisfy his or her needs;
17) sport and work animal - an animal that has acquired
specific skills and performs action specified by a human;
18) zoo - a place where animals of wild species are
kept for public display seven or more days per year for the
purpose of conservation, reproduction or reintroduction of
species, research and educating of the public.
[8 March 2012; 12 June 2014; 15
June 2017]
Section 2.
This Law sets out the rights and obligations of a person
within the scope of animal protection and welfare.
[31 March 2010]
Section 3.
(1) Animals shall be classified according to their actual
situation as follows:
1) wild animals;
2) animals bred in captivity.
(2) Wild animals shall be classified according to their method
of use as follows:
1) game animals;
2) non-game animals.
(3) Animals bred in captivity shall be classified according to
their method of use as follows:
1) farm animals;
2) pet animals;
3) sport, work and exhibition animals;
4) experimental animals;
5) animals kept in zoos;
6) animals of wild species kept in a registered place for the
keeping of animals of wild species.
[31 March 2010]
Section 3.1
(1) It is prohibited to purchase, keep in captivity, alienate
or keep for sale or exchange and offer for trade the following
animals:
1) an animal of wild species of the order
Carnivora;
2) a primate;
3) a sea mammal;
4) an animal of the order Crocodylia;
5) a snake type animal.
(2) It is prohibited to feed an animal with live warm-blooded
animals.
(3) The prohibitions referred to in Paragraphs one and two of
this Section shall not apply to zoos and registered places for
the keeping of animals of wild species.
[31 March 2010]
Section 4.
(1) Cruel treatment of animals is prohibited, that is:
1) the killing of an animal, except in the cases provided for
in this Law;
2) the mutilating, tormenting and torturing of an animal;
3) leaving an animal without care;
4) leaving an animal in a helpless situation;
5) annoying and baiting an animal, except in the cases when it
is necessary for the training of a work animal;
6) the organisation of animal fights, the involvement of
animals in such fights and support of such fights;
7) subjection of an animal to modifying external appearance or
other non-curative procedures, if the necessity thereof is not
prescribed and they are not performed by a practising
veterinarian or other person in accordance with the laws and
regulations governing the welfare of animals. A practising
veterinarian is allowed to perform tail docking for dog species
specified in Section 18.1 of this Law;
8) the use of an animal as a target for training in shooting
or in competitions;
9) the use of animals for the training of animals of other
species, except for the training of hunting dogs;
10) the use of an animal by making the animal to perform
actions which are not characteristic to the relevant animal in
natural environment and exceed natural capabilities thereof, as
well as may harm the health of the animal or cause it
suffering;
11) the showing of an animal of wild species outside a zoo or
registered place for keeping of animals of wild species;
12) the offering and use of a female animal for the sexual
satisfaction of a male animal without the intent of obtaining
offspring;
13) the carrying out of other such actions which cause or may
cause mutilation or death, or create suffering for an animal,
except in cases when such actions have been carried out for
treatment, experimental purposes or in cases when the life or
health of a human being is being threatened;
14) non-observance of regulations for keeping of animals,
welfare requirements and transportation regulations what endanger
the health of the animal or may cause the death thereof;
15) non-observance of the requirements for the protection of
animals intended for slaughter;
16) use of animals for religious rituals and lotteries.
(2) A person is prohibited from keeping an animal if he or she
has been penalised for the cruel treatment of animals.
[6 February 2003; 14 April 2005; 31
March 2010; 15 June 2017]
Section 4.1
(1) Participation of a pet animal for which a surgery
modifying its external appearance has been performed shall be
prohibited in competitions, fairs and auctions, as well as
showing in public exhibition, except for:
1) the animal for which the necessity of this surgical
operation is attested by a practising veterinarian by making an
entry in the passport or vaccination certificate of the
animal;
2) the dog of a certain species specified in this Law for
which tail docking is allowed;
3) the animal in the laws and regulations of the country of
origin of which it is allowed to perform the relevant surgical
operation modifying the external appearance.
(2) Without co-ordination with the Food and Veterinary
Service, it is prohibited to use an animal in public events which
are not specialised events with participation of the animal, or
to give the animal as a gift in a public event without the
consent of the person to whom the gift shall be given and without
co-ordination with the Food and Veterinary Service.
[31 March 2010]
Section 5.
(1) An animal owner has the authority over an animal as
specified in the Civil Law, except in the cases determined in
this Law and other laws and regulations.
(2) An animal owner has the following obligations:
1) to take care of the health, welfare and use of an animal in
accordance with its species, age and physiology;
2) to ensure that society has a favourable attitude towards
the animal in the possession of the owner;
3) to ensure that the animal does not disturb or threaten
human beings or other animals;
4) to not permit uncontrolled animal reproduction;
5) to ensure the compliance of animal keeping conditions,
equipment, food and water with its physiological and ethological
needs taking into account the species of the relevant animal,
degree of development, adaptation and domestication;
6) to not subject an animal to pain and suffering, as well as
to prevent the possibilities for injury thereof;
7) taking into account the physiological and ethological needs
of an animal, to ensure physical activity for the animal, but for
an animal with limited movement - sufficient area of keeping;
8) upon a request of the officials of the institutions
referred to in Section 9 of this Law, in accordance with the
competence thereof, to immediately demonstrate the animal, its
place of keeping, as well as the animal's passport or vaccination
certificate and other documents related to the animal;
9) to ensure marking of a sterilised cat, if the cat lives in
a city or rural inhabited territory nearby dwelling houses.
(3) If the owner of an animal is unable to fulfil the
obligations referred to in Paragraph two of this Section, the
animal shall be alienated for a person who is able to fulfil
these obligations, transferred to an animal sanctuary or killed
in accordance with the procedures determined in laws and
regulations.
(4) An animal keeper, to whom an owner has entrusted an animal
or in the possession of whom an animal has come in another way,
also has the obligations referred to in Paragraph two of this
Section.
(5) Only the owner of an animal has the right to give a
permission to use the animal as a donor and - in the cases
specified in this Law - for killing thereof, and also only the
owner of an animal or his or her authorised person has the right
to show an animal in public exhibitions.
[31 March 2010]
Section 5.1
(1) A dog shall be recognised as dangerous by a commission for
the assessment of a dog's behaviour established by the Food and
Veterinary Service (hereinafter - the commission).
(2) If the process for the assessment of dog's behaviour has
been commenced, the owner or keeper of the dog shall comply with
the requirements laid down in the laws and regulations regarding
keeping of a dangerous dog.
[31 March 2010]
Section 6.
An animal owner shall ensure that an animal is registered and
marked in accordance with the procedures specified in laws and
regulations. A document attesting animal's identity - animal's
passport or vaccination certificate where the animal identity
number is entered - shall be issued and attested by a person
authorised by the competent authority.
[14 April 2005]
Section 7.
Assistance shall be given to an injured or a sick animal with
the aid of a practising veterinarian when necessary.
Section 8.
(1) An animal, which has been left homeless or without the
care and supervision of an owner (except for a wild animal) shall
be considered to be a stray animal. A sterilised cat living in a
city and rural inhabited territory nearby dwelling houses shall
not be considered as stray animal.
(2) Any person shall without delay inform the local government
authority about a stray animal or an animal in a helpless
situation.
(3) In accordance with the binding regulations of a local
government and the laws and regulations governing the field of
welfare of animals, the local government shall organise catching
of stray animals and animals in a helpless situation and, if
necessary, killing thereof.
(4) In accordance with the binding regulations of a local
government, the local government may allow to keep a sterilised
ownerless cat in a city or rural inhabited territory nearby
dwelling houses, if the welfare and marking thereof is
ensured.
(5) The Latvian Association of Veterinarians shall train the
persons catching stray dogs and cats, issue and cancel the
certificate of a person catching animals and register trained
persons catching animals.
(6) Upon fulfilling the tasks of the State administration
referred to in Paragraph five of this Section, including by
issuing the relevant administrative acts, the Latvian Association
of Veterinarians shall be under functional subordination of the
Ministry of Agriculture.
(7) Contesting or appeal of the decision of the Latvian
Association of Veterinarians taken for the fulfilment of the
tasks referred to in Paragraph five of this Section shall not
suspend their operation.
[31 March 2010; 8 March 2012]
Section 9.
(1) Conformity with the requirements of this Law shall be
supervised and controlled by:
1) the institutions subordinated to the Ministry of
Agriculture:
a) the Food and Veterinary Service - in relation to the
protection and welfare of animals bred in captivity and
protection of experimental animals, as well as to the control of
the import, export and transit movement of animals on the State
border control points specified in laws and regulations in
accordance with their competence, but in relation to the welfare
of pet animals - only in the objects of the State veterinary
supervision and in the cases when there are suspicions or
complaints regarding violations of laws and regulations;
b) the State Forestry Service - in relation to the protection
of animals of wild species (game);
2) the institutions subordinated to the Ministry of
Environmental Protection and Regional Development - in relation
to the protection of animals of wild species (non-game) living in
the wild and to the protection of animals of wild species of
special protection and of restricted use in accordance with laws
and regulations of nature protection.
(2) The authorities referred to in Paragraph one of this
Section may involve public animal protection organisations in
conformity with the requirements of this Law.
(3) The Food and Veterinary Service shall supervise and
control the execution of the legislation of the European Union to
be applied directly in the field of animal welfare and
protection, as well as provide the information requested by the
European Union institutions.
(4) The Food and Veterinary Service shall be the competent
authority regarding the protection of animals during transport
and related operations in accordance with Council Regulation (EC)
No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during
transport and related operations and amending Directives
64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97.
(5) The Food and Veterinary Service shall be the competent
authority regarding animal health requirements in respect of the
movement of circus animals in accordance with Commission
Regulation (EC) No 1739/2005 of 21 October 2005 laying down
animal health requirements for the movement of circus animals
between Member States.
(6) Customs authorities of the State Revenue Service in
accordance with the competence thereof shall ensure the
supervision and control of the fulfilment of the requirements
referred to in this Law in respect of the importation of skins of
seal pups and products derived therefrom specified in Section
35.1 of this Law.
(7) The Ministry of Agriculture may, in accordance with the
procedures specified in the State Administration Structure Law,
delegate the training in matters of the welfare of animals kept
for farming purposes with the agreement to a body governed by
private or public law which issues an administrative statement
regarding such training. The administrative statements issued by
a body governed by private or public law may be contested in the
Food and Veterinary Service.
[6 December 2001; 8 July 2003; 14
April 2005; 19 December 2006; 20 December 2007; 31 March 2010; 16
December 2010; 8 March 2012]
Section 10.
The Cabinet shall determine:
1) the procedures by which animals kept for farming purposes
shall be kept and used, and shall determine the welfare
requirements for the keeping and use of each species of animals
kept for farming purposes, the requirements for the protection of
animals kept for farming purposes which are intended for
slaughter, as well as the rights and obligations of the keeper of
animals kept for farming purposes;
2) the requirements for the keeping, trade and showing at
public exhibitions of pet animals, dog training and the rights
and duties of the owner and keeper of the pet animal;
3) the welfare requirements for the keeping, training and use
of sport, work and exhibition animals in competitions, work or
exhibitions;
4) in the field of protection of experimental animals:
a) the procedures for the registration of experimental animal
breeders, suppliers and users and cancellation thereof;
b) the requirements for experimental animal breeders,
suppliers and users;
c) the procedures for issuing a permit to the person
responsible for an experimental project, and for cancelling
it;
d) the procedures by which a permit for an experimental
project shall be issued, amended, renewed and cancelled;
e) welfare requirements for the acquisition, marking,
breeding, holding, rearing, supply and use of an experimental
animal;
f) a list of such animals which are bred for use in
procedures;
g) the procedures for evaluating experimental projects;
h) the requirements for premises, facilities, inventory,
equipment;
i) the requirements for employees of breeders, suppliers and
users;
j) the requirements for welfare structure and the tasks of the
structure;
k) the methods for killing experimental animals;
l) the procedures by which documents shall be submitted for
the receipt of a permit for an experimental project;
m) the requirements for the classification of severity of
procedures;
n) the requirements for the repeat use of experimental animals
in a procedure;
o) the procedures for registering, compiling of information
and submitting reports, as well as storing documentation;
5) the procedures by which the renewal (reintroduction) of
animal populations (reintroduction) shall occur in nature and the
introduction of animals of wild species not characteristic to the
nature of Latvia;
6) [6 December 2001];
7) the welfare requirements of animals in animal sanctuaries
and animal boarding facilities, as well as animal veterinary
medical care institutions;
8) the procedures for transporting animals, the welfare
requirements for transporting animals in means of transport, as
well as the procedures by which a permit of an animal carrier and
a permit for means of transport for transporting animals shall be
issued and registered;
9) [8 March 2012];
10) the procedures and requirements for keeping such wild
animals in enclosed areas (deer parks, wild bird farms, fur
animal farms and others), which are used for the acquisition of
products of animal origin or for the purposes of species
selection;
11) the criteria and procedures by which a dog shall be
recognised as dangerous, determine further action with it and the
requirements for keeping of a dangerous dog;
12) the procedures by which an animal shall be transferred to
an animal sanctuary or animal boarding facility;
13) the amount and procedures for the payment of the State fee
for the registration of the place for performances on tour of
circus animal, training animal, circus and training
performance;
14) the amount and procedures for the payment of the State fee
for the registration of such dog which is trained to attack a
human being;
15) [15 June 2017 / See Paragraph 18 of the Transitional
Provisions];
16) the amount and procedures for the payment of the State fee
for the issue of the certificate for the transportation of
animals;
17) the amount and procedures for the payment of the State fee
for the issue of a permit for a vehicle for transport of
animals;
18) the amount and procedures for the payment of the State fee
for the registration of the place for keeping of animals of wild
species;
19) [8 March 2012];
20) the requirements for catching stray dogs and cats, the
duties of a person catching animals, the training programme, the
procedures for training and registration, the payment for
training of a person catching animals and for the making and
issuance of a certificate, as well as the procedures for issuing
and cancelling a certificate of a person catching animals;
21) the requirements for keeping animals of wild species in a
zoo and the requirements for the establishment and registration
of a zoo;
22) the procedures for registering a place for the keeping of
animals of wild species;
23) the procedures by which training in animal welfare issues
shall be carried out, the training programme, the procedures by
which a certification regarding training carried out shall be
issued and cancelled, as well as the procedures for registering
the trained persons;
24) the amount of the State fee and the procedures for making
the payment to the person responsible for the issue of a permit
for the recording operation of the experiment, the persons
involved in the experiment and the experimental animals.
[6 December 2001; 6 February 2003; 8 July 2003; 14 April
2005; 19 December 2006; 31 March 2010; 8 March 2012; 15 June 2017
/ Amendment regarding deletion of Clause 15, and Clause 24
shall come into force on 1 January 2018. See Paragraphs 18
and 19 of the Transitional Provisions]
Section 11.
(1) The Animal Protection and Welfare Advisory Council shall
be a consultative body that shall educate the general public and
give recommendations to State administration institutions and
local governments in the field of animal protection and welfare.
In order to promote the public participation in solving issues
related to animal protection and welfare, the composition of the
council shall include representatives of the State administration
institutions and scientific institutions, as well as of
associations and foundations. In conformity with the principle of
proportionality, the composition of the council shall include
representatives from associations and foundations operating in
the field of animal protection and welfare, as well as unite
breeders of farm animals.
(2) The Cabinet shall approve the by-law of the Animal
Protection and Welfare Advisory Council.
(3) The composition of the Animal Protection and Welfare
Advisory Council shall be approved by the Minister for
Agriculture.
[12 June 2014]
Section 12.
(1) Persons shall be held liable for violations of this Law in
accordance with the liability laid down in law.
(2) Holding persons administratively or criminally liable
shall not release such persons from the obligation to compensate
for losses caused as a result of violation of this Law.
(3) If an animal owner performs the actions referred to in
Section 4 of this Law or allows such to occur, or does not
perform the actions referred to in Paragraph two of Section 5,
the institution officials referred to in Paragraph one of Section
9 may, within the scope of their competence, confiscate the
animal in accordance with procedures laid down in law.
Chapter
II
Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes
Section 13.
It is allowed to keep an animal of wild species in enclosed
areas for the acquisition of products of animal origin or for
other farming purposes in accordance with the procedures laid
down in laws and regulations.
[31 March 2010]
Section 14.
If an animal for farming purposes is ill or injured, the owner
or keeper of the animal shall immediately ensure the necessary
care and invite a practising veterinarian for the provision of
medical aid.
[31 March 2010]
Section 15.
[31 March 2010]
Chapter
III
Protection of Pet Animals
Section 16.
[31 March 2010]
17.pants.
In regard to pet animals, it is prohibited:
1) to use them for haulage work (except for dogs in a special
harness);
2) to breed and use them for the acquisition of food and
furs.
[15 June 2017]
Section 18.
It is prohibited to perform surgical operations on pet
animals, in order to modify their external appearance or for
other non-curative purposes, except in cases when the operation
has been prescribed by a practising veterinarian. A practising
veterinarian is allowed to perform tail docking for the dog
species specified in Section 18.1 of this Law.
[31 March 2010 / See Paragraph 9 of the Transitional
Provisions]
Section 18.1
A practising veterinarian shall be allowed to perform tail
docking for the following dog species:
1) Wire Fox Terrier;
2) Smooth Fox Terrier;
3) Russian Spaniel;
4) German Wire-haired Pointing Dog;
5) German Short-haired Pointing Dog;
6) German Hunt Terrier;
7) Welsh Terrier.
[31 March 2010 / This Section shall come into force
on 6 July 2010. See Paragraph 9 of the Transitional
Provisions]
Chapter
IV
Protection and Welfare of Sport, Work and Exhibition Animals
[31 March
2010]
Section 19.
An organizer of animal competitions shall, in accordance with
the laws and regulations regarding the procedures for the
organisation of animal competitions, fairs, auctions, exhibitions
and other measures with participation of animals, inform the
relevant territorial structural unit of the Food and Veterinary
Service regarding the place and time of the competition.
[31 March 2010]
Section 20.
[31 March 2010]
Section 21.
It is prohibited to inject medical substances (doping) into an
animal, which affect its natural capabilities.
[31 March 2010]
Section 22.
Sport, work or exhibition animals shall be selected in
accordance with the type of use, conditions of use and carrying
out of intended functions.
[31 March 2010]
Section 23.
A person may use a sport, work or exhibition animal if he or
she knows and follows the keeping, training and use of the
relevant species in accordance with the laws and regulations
regarding welfare requirements for the keeping and training of
sport, work and exhibition animals and use thereof in
competitions, work or exhibitions.
[15 June 2017]
Chapter V
Protection of Experimental Animals
[31 March
2010]
Section 23.1
An experimental animal user shall, whenever possible, use a
scientifically satisfactory method or a testing strategy which is
not related to the use of live animals, instead of the
procedure.
[15 June 2017]
Section 23.2
An experimental animal breeder, supplier and user shall
improve the methods used in the animal breeding, keeping, rearing
and procedures in order to eliminate or minimise any possible
pain, suffering, discomfort or lasting harm to the animal.
[15 June 2017]
Section 24.
It is prohibited to use the following in the procedures:
1) animals, if there exists another scientific method or
testing strategy, which is not related to the use of live
animals;
2) live animals if another scientific method or testing
strategy has been recognised in the European Union in the
protection of animals used for scientific purposes, and unless
laws and regulations regarding the protection of animals used for
scientific purposes and prohibiting certain types of methods
provide otherwise;
3) animals, which belong to endangered species, which is
referred to in the Washington Convention on International Trade
in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 1973 and in
Annex A of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996
on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by
regulating trade therein;
4) animals taken from the wild;
5) non-human primates;
6) stray and pet animals.
[8 March 2012; 15 June 2017]
Section 24.1
The Food and Veterinary Service may, in accordance with the
requirements stipulated by the Cabinet, allow the use of animals
taken from the wild, non-human primates, and animals of
endangered animal species in procedures.
[8 March 2012 / This Section shall come into force
on 1 January 2013. See Paragraph 15 of Transitional
Provisions]
Section 24.2
The Cabinet shall determine the procedures by which animals
taken from the wild, non-human primates, and animals of
endangered animal species shall be used in procedures.
[8 March 2012]
Section 25.
It is allowed to use an experimental animal in procedures, if
the purpose thereof is:
1) basic research;
2) translational or applied research with any of the following
aims:
a) the avoidance, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of
disease, ill-health or other abnormality or their effects in
human beings, animals or plants,
b) the assessment, detection, regulation or modification of
physiological conditions in human beings, animals or plants,
c) the welfare of animals and the improvement of the
production conditions for animals reared for agricultural
purposes;
3) the development, manufacture or testing of the quality,
effectiveness and safety of medicinal products, foodstuffs,
feed-stuffs and other substances or products for the purposes
referred to in Clause 2 of this Section;
4) protection of the natural environment in the interests of
the health or welfare of human beings or animals;
5) research aimed at preservation of animal species;
6) higher education, or training for the acquisition,
maintenance or improvement vocational skills;
7) forensic inquiries.
[8 March 2012; 15 June 2017]
Section 26.
Such procedure shall be selected for the use of an
experimental animal for scientific, experimental or education
purposes, in which:
1) the minimum number of animals is used;
2) experimental animals with the lowest capacity to experience
pain, suffering, discomfort or lasting damage are involved;
3) the least possible pain, suffering, discomfort or lasting
damage is caused to the experimental animal;
4) there is the highest possibility of ensuring satisfactory
results.
[8 March 2012]
Section 26.1
(1) A permit for an experimental project issued by the Food
and Veterinary Service and a permit to the person responsible for
the experimental project shall be required for the use of an
animal in procedures.
(2) In addition to that laid down in Paragraph one of this
Section it is allowed to use animals in procedures, which live in
the wild, if a permit of the State Forest Service for the use of
game animals of wild species in a procedure or a permit of the
Nature Conservation Agency for the use of non-game animals of
wild species in a procedure has been received.
(3) The Food and Veterinary Service shall issue the permit for
an experimental project within 40 working days after receipt of
all the necessary documents which have been prepared in
compliance with the requirements specified in laws and
regulations and include complete information required in the laws
and regulations. The time period for the issue of the permit may
be extended once for a period of up to 15 working days, provided
that it has been justified on the complexity or
multi-disciplinary nature of the experimental project.
(4) The issue of the permit for an experimental project is a
paid service.
(5) The amount of the fee and payment procedures for the
issue, amendment and renewal of a permit for an experimental
project, as well as the amount of the fee and payment procedures
for the involvement of experts (researchers) necessary for the
evaluation of an experimental project shall be determined by the
Cabinet.
[8 March 2012; 15 June 2017 / Paragraph four shall
come into force on 1 January 2018. See Paragraph 19 of the
Transitional Provisions]
Section 26.2
The State scientific institute Institute of Food Safety,
Animal Health and Environment "BIOR" shall:
1) inform the European Commission about the laboratories which
are able to ensure the conformity assessment (validation) through
the use of methods of alternative approach which are not related
to the use of animals or in which less animals are used, or which
are related to less painful procedures;
2) consult the interested persons on the conformity and
appropriateness of the alternative method recommended for the
conformity assessment (validation).
[8 March 2012; 12 June 2014]
Section 26.3
(1) The State scientific institute Institute of Food
Safety, Animal Health and Environment "BIOR" shall
establish a Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for
Scientific Purposes and co-ordinate its operation. The Committee
for the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes shall
include representatives of scientific institutions, as well as
associations and foundations operating in the field of animal
protection and welfare.
(2) The Cabinet shall approve the by-law of the Committee for
the Protection of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes.
[12 June 2014]
Section 26.4
The Committee for the Protection of Animals Used for
Scientific Purposes shall:
1) consult the competent authorities and animal welfare
bodies, which are related to the acquisition, breeding,
accommodation, rearing and use of experimental animals in
procedures, and ensure exchange of best practice;
2) exchange information with the competent authorities of
other European Union Member States about the operation of welfare
bodies of experimental animals and evaluation of experimental
projects, as well as share in experience of best practice with
European Union Member States.
[12 June 2014]
Chapter
VI
Protection of Wild Animals
Section 27.
It is prohibited to capture and keep in captivity wild
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals, except in the cases
specified in this Law and laws and regulations governing nature
protection and hunting.
[31 March 2010; 15 June 2017]
Section 27.1
It is prohibited to train and use as an exhibition animal an
animal of wild species (both taken from the wild and bred in
captivity), and show it to the public as an exhibition
animal.
[15 June 2017]
Section 28.
[6 December 2001]
Section 29.
It is prohibited to release a tamed wild animal, which is not
accustomed to a life in the wild, into the open.
Section 30.
[6 December 2001]
Section 31.
A zoo has an obligation to create conditions as close to the
natural environment of each animal species as possible and to
ensure satisfaction of the physiological and zoo-psychological
needs of an animal, as well as to provide visitors with
information on the species displayed for public viewing and their
natural living environment.
[8 March 2012]
Section 32.
(1) The Nature Protection Board shall issue a permit for the
establishment of a zoo.
(2) An owner (keeper) of the animals referred to in Section
3.1 of this Law shall apply for the registration of
the place of keeping animals of wild species in the Food and
Veterinary Service in accordance with the procedures stipulated
by the Cabinet.
[6 December 2001; 8 July 2003; 31
March 2010]
Section 33.
Owner (keeper) of animals of wild species shall be required to
have a document, as set out in the laws and regulations, on the
origin (lawful acquisition) of each animal.
[31 March 2010]
Section 34.
Owner (keeper) of animals of wild species has the obligation
to create, for each species of animal, conditions approximating
its natural environment and to ensure the satisfaction of the
physiological and zoo-psychological needs of each species of
animal.
[31 March 2010]
Section 35.
A wild animal may be imported into the State and exported from
the State in accordance with the requirements of the relevant
laws and regulations.
[6 December 2001]
Section 35.1
In order to ensure international protection for whitecoat pups
of harp seals Phoca groenlandica and the pups of hooded
seals Cystophora cristata of Greenlandic seals, it is
prohibited to import raw furskins, tanned or dressed furskins
(including assembled in different forms) , as well as articles of
furskins, for commercial purposes.
[20 December 2007]
Chapter
VII
Protection of Animals during Their Transport
Section 36.
(1) An animal shall be transported by an appropriate means of
transport, ensuring conditions not harmful to its health.
(2) If necessary, prior to transportation or during
transportation, an animal may be injected with tranquillising
medical substances, observing the instructions of a practising
veterinarian.
(3) [31 March 2010]
(4) [31 March 2010]
[6 December 2001; 14 April 2005; 31
March 2010]
37.pants.
An animal owner, or a person authorised by the owner, shall be
responsible for the conformity with the requirements of this Law
during the transportation of the animal.
Section 38.
(1) Customs control of an animal being transported shall be
carried out without delay.
(2) Delay of the transportation of an animal shall be
permitted only for the good of the animal or in cases when there
is cause for suspicion regarding the animal becoming ill with an
infectious disease.
Chapter
VIII
Animal Sanctuaries and Animal Boarding Facilities
Section 39.
Local governments shall establish and maintain animal
sanctuaries, catch, board and care for caught and alienated pet
animals, as well as board and care for wild animals in a helpless
situation or enter into agreements with a natural person or legal
person regarding the catching, boarding, supporting and care of
such animals.
[31 March 2010]
Section 40.
Animal reproduction shall not be permitted in sanctuaries.
Section 41.
(1) A sanctuary may release an animal to a person who has
attained 18 years of age and who undertakes to ensure the welfare
of the relevant animal.
(2) A sanctuary shall ensure the sterilisation of an animal,
if it has not succeeded to find the owner or keeper thereof
within 14 days.
(3) Information on the subsequent owner of the animal shall be
retained by the sanctuary for not less than one year.
[31 March 2010]
Section 42.
A sanctuary shall provide the subsequent owner with
information on the behaviour of and unique care features for the
animal.
Section 43.
An animal owner may for a specific time leave the animal in
the care of a boarding facility.
Chapter
IX
Killing of Animals
Section 44.
It is prohibited to kill an animal. The prohibition does not
apply to:
1) animals kept for farming purposes;
2) animal euthanasia;
3) hunting;
4) fishing;
5) invertebrates, insofar as it is not laid down otherwise in
other laws, as well as to disinsection and deratization of
mouse-like rodents;
6) cases, when an animal attacking a human being threatens his
or her health or life;
7) cases, when a programme combating infectious diseases or
invasive species provides for the killing of an animal;
8) the killing of experimental animals used, if it is provided
for in the objective of the experiment;
9) catching of moles using mechanical traps.
[14 April 2005; 31 March 2010; 12
June 2014]
Section 45.
An animal may be killed only with the permission of the animal
owner (in the case of euthanasia - with a permission in writing),
except in the cases provided for in Section 5, Paragraph three
and Section 44, Clauses 5, 6 and 7 of this Law.
[31 March 2010]
Section 46.
In the killing of an animal, the method which causes the least
suffering for the animal shall be selected.
Section 47.
An animal kept for farming purposes may be killed if:
1) it has been bred for the production of food of animal
origin intended for the human consumption and for raw materials
for manufacturing;
2) the keeping of an animal has become economically
disadvantageous due to its non-productivity;
3) an animal is under threat of death due to a disease or a
trauma;
4) it has been provided for in a programme combating
infectious diseases.
Section 48.
(1) It is allowed to slaughter an animal kept for farming
purposes using stunning before slaughter, except for an animal of
wild species kept in enclosed areas and beef animals kept in a
free keeping system.
(2) An animal kept for farming purposes, using stunning after
slaughter, may be slaughtered in a slaughterhouse in accordance
with the traditional methods for meat production of religious
communities and the laws and regulations regarding welfare
requirements for the protection of animals kept for farming
purposes and intended for slaughter.
(3) In a case of final necessity, an animal kept for farming
purposes may be slaughtered without stunning, as well as in a
case when, due to disease or trauma, the death of an animal is
possible.
[17 September 2009]
Section 49.
Intentional killing of a pregnant animal kept for farming
purposes is prohibited, except in the cases prescribed by a
practising veterinarian.
Section 50.
It is permitted to perform euthanasia of an animal, if:
1) it has an incurable disease or during its aging process
irreversible changes have arisen, which cause the animal
suffering;
2) due to its aggressiveness, an animal has become dangerous
to human beings or other animals;
3) an owner is not able to fulfil the duties referred to in
Section 5, Paragraph two of this Law and in accordance with
Section 5, Paragraph three of this Law has not been able to
alienate the animal for an other person;
4) it has been provided for in a programme combating
infectious diseases;
5) it is a stray animal and within 14 days it has not been
possible to find the previous owner or a new owner;
6) a stray animal is found in severe traumatic condition;
7) a new owner is not found within 30 days after coming into
force of the decision regarding confiscation of the animal;
8) a decision regarding euthanasia of a dog has come into
force in accordance with the laws and regulations regarding the
criteria and procedures by which a dog shall be recognised as
dangerous and the action with it shall be determined.
[31 March 2010]
Section 51.
The euthanasia of an animal shall be performed by a practising
veterinarian.
Section 52.
(1) In euthanasia, medical substances shall be used which
cause an immediate and irreversible loss of consciousness and
death.
(2) After euthanasia, a practising veterinary shall make
certain that biological death has set in for the animal.
Transitional
Provisions
1. Persons who have in their possession the animals mentioned
in Section 16, at the time this Law comes into force, may not
allow the reproduction of such animals and up to 1 July 2000
shall ensure the keeping of such animals in wild animal
collections, or if this is not possible - euthanasia.
2. The Cabinet shall by 1 January 2006 issue regulations which
regulate:
1) the welfare requirements for the keeping, training and use
of sport, work and exhibition animals in competitions, work or
exhibitions;
2) the welfare requirements of animals in animal sanctuaries
and animal boarding facilities and the procedures by which an
animal shall be transferred to an animal sanctuary or animal
boarding facility;
3) the criteria and procedures by which a dog shall be
recognised as dangerous, determine further action with it and the
requirements for keeping of a dangerous dog;
4) the welfare requirements for the keeping, trade and showing
at public exhibitions of pet animals, dog training and the rights
and obligations of the owner and keeper of the pet animal.
[14 April 2005]
3. The Cabinet shall by 1 July 2003:
1) approve the requirements for the keeping, testing,
training, trade and showing at public exhibitions of pet animals,
requirements for the keeping of dangerous dogs, as well as the
rights and obligations of the keeper of the pet animals;
2) approve the by-laws of the Animal Protection Ethics
Council, determining its functions and activities.
[6 February 2003]
4. Section 8, Paragraph three of the Law and amendments to
Section 39 of the Law in respect of the tasks of local
governments in animal protection shall come into force on 1
January 2006.
[14 April 2005]
5. The Cabinet shall by 31 December of 2010 issue the
regulations referred to in Section 10, Clauses 4, 5, 15, 18, 19,
20, 21 and 22 of this Law.
[31 March 2010]
6. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet
regulations referred to in Section 10, Clauses 4, 5, 15, 18, 20,
21 and 22 of this Law, the following Cabinet regulations shall be
applied in so far as they are not in contradiction with this
Law:
1) Cabinet Regulation No. 34 of 23 January 2001, Procedures
for Acquiring of Individuals of Non-game Species, Introduction of
Wild Animals not Characteristic to the Nature of Latvia, as well
as for Issue of Permits for Renewal of Animal Populations in the
Nature (Reintroduction);
2) Cabinet Regulation No. 185 of 8 May 2001, Regulation
Regarding Requirements for Keeping of Wild Animals in Captivity
and for Creation of a Collection of Wild Animals;
3) Cabinet Regulation No. 450 of 23 October 2001, Procedures
for Keeping, Use, Trade and Killing of Animals Used for
Experimental and Scientific Purposes;
4) Cabinet Regulation No. 180 of 15 April 2003, Procedures for
the Keeping of Wild Animals in Enclosed Areas for the Acquisition
of Products of Animal Origin or for the Purposes of Species
Selection;
5) Cabinet Regulation No. 606 of 4 September 2007,
Requirements in Relation to Catching of Stray Dogs and Cats;
6) Cabinet Regulation No. 634 of 18 September 2007, Regulation
Regarding the State Fee for a Permit to use an Animal for
Experiments and Training;
7) Cabinet Regulation No. 757 of 13 November 2007, Regulation
Regarding the State Fee for a Permit for Creation and Operation
of a Collection of Wild Animals.
[31 March 2010]
7. Section 4.1 of this Law shall not apply to pet
animals that have been born before 1 June 2010.
[31 March 2010]
8. Amendments to Section 10, Clause 18 of this Law shall come
into force at the same time as the relevant amendments to the law
On Taxes and Duties.
[31 March 2010]
9. Section 18.1 of this Law shall come into force
at the same time as the relevant amendments to the Veterinary
Medicine Law.
[31 March 2010]
10. The Cabinet shall issue the regulations referred to in
Section 10, Clause 4, Sub-clauses "a", "b", "c", "d", "e", "f",
"g", "h", "i", "j", "k", "l", "m", "n" and "o" and Section
24.2 of this Law by 10 November 2012.
[8 March 2012]
11. The Cabinet shall issue the regulations referred to in
Section 10, Clauses 8, 15, 20 and 23 of this Law by 31 December
2012.
[8 March 2012]
12. Until the day of coming into force of the Cabinet
regulations referred to in Paragraphs 10 and 11 of Transitional
Provisions of this Law, but not longer than until 31 December
2012 the following Cabinet regulations shall apply, insofar as
they are not in contradiction with this Law:
1) Cabinet Regulation No. 1079 of 22 December 2008, Animal
Transport Regulations;
2) Cabinet Regulation No. 1131 of 21 December 2010,
Regulations Regarding Registration of Experimental Animal
Breeders, Suppliers and Users, Procedures for Carrying out
Activities Involving Experimental Animals, and Welfare
Requirements to be Ensured for Experimental Animals;
3) Cabinet Regulation No. 1191 of 28 December 2010,
Regulations Regarding State Fee for the Permit to Use an Animal
in an Experiment;
4) Cabinet Regulation No. 1192 of 28 December 2010, Procedures
for Catching Stray Dogs and Cats.
[8 March 2012]
13. The Cabinet shall issue the by-law of the Animal
Protection Ethics Council referred to in Section 11, Paragraph
two of this Law until 30 June 2013. Until the day of coming into
force of the Cabinet regulation, but not later than until 30 June
2013 Cabinet Regulation No. 864 of 8 November 2011, By-law of the
Animal Protection Ethics Council, shall apply, insofar as it is
not in contradiction with this Law.
[8 March 2012]
14. Amendments to Section 10, Clauses 15 and 19 of this Law
shall come into force concurrently with the relevant amendments
to the law On Taxes and Duties.
[8 March 2012]
15. Section 24.1 and Section 26.1,
Paragraph three of this Law shall come into force on 1 January
2013.
[8 March 2012]
16. The Cabinet shall approve the by-law of the Animal
Protection and Welfare Advisory Council by 1 October 2014.
[12 June 2014]
17. The Cabinet shall approve the by-law of the Committee for
the Protection of Animals to be Used for Scientific Purposes by
31 December 2014.
[12 June 2014]
18. Amendment to Section 10 of this Law regarding deletion of
Clause 15 shall come into force on 1 January 2018.
[15 June 2017]
19. Section 10, Clause 24 and Section 26.1,
Paragraph four of this Law shall come into force on 1 January
2018.
[15 June 2017]
20. The Cabinet shall issue the regulations referred to in
Section 10, Clause 24 and Section 26.1, Paragraph five
of this Law by 31 December 2017.
[15 June 2017]
Informative
Reference to European Union Directives
[20 December
2007; 31 March 2010; 8 March 2012]
This Law contains legal norms arising from:
1) Council Directive 83/129/EEC of 28 March 1983 concerning
the importation into Member States of skins of certain seal pups
and products derived therefrom;
2) Council Directive 89/370/EEC of 8 June 1989 amending
Directive 83/129/EEC concerning the importation into Member
States of skins of certain seal pups and products derived
therefrom;
3) Council Directive 86/609/EEC on the approximation of laws,
regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States
regarding the protection of animals used for experimental and
other scientific purposes;
4) Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the
protection of animals kept for farming purposes;
5) Council Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999 relating to
the keeping of wild animals in zoos;
6) Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used
for scientific purposes. (Text with EEA relevance.)
This Law comes into force on 1 January 2000.
This Law has been adopted by the Saeima on 9 December
1999.
President V. Vīķe-Freiberga
Rīga, 29 December 1999
Annex to the Animal Protection
Law
Animal Species
Permitted for the Use in Procedures Only if They Have Been Bred
in Establishments for Breeding Experimental Animals
[15 June
2017]
No.
|
Animal species
|
Latin name
|
1.
|
Mouse |
Mus
musculus |
2.
|
Rat |
Rattus norvegicus |
3.
|
Guinea pigs |
Cavia
porcellus |
4.
|
Syrian (golden) hamster |
Mesocricetus auratus |
5.
|
Chinese hamster |
Cricetulus griseus |
6.
|
Mongolian gerbil |
Meriones unguiculatus |
7.
|
Rabbit |
Oryctolagus cuniculus |
8.
|
Dog |
Canis
familiaris |
9.
|
Cat |
Felis
catus |
10.
|
All species of non-human
primates |
|
11.
|
Frog |
Xenopus (laevis, tropicalis)
Rana (temporaria,
pipiens)
|
12.
|
Zebra fish |
Danio
rerio |
1 The Parliament of the Republic of
Latvia
Translation © 2018 Valsts valodas centrs (State
Language Centre)