Minister calls for stricter laws on illegal animal breeders in Czechia

Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) says Czechia must tighten laws against illegal animal breeders. Speaking today ahead of a government meeting, he announced that his ministry is preparing new legislation with tougher penalties for unlicensed facilities.

The issue gained urgency after a lion escaped from a private zoo near Prague earlier this month and was shot by police. It later emerged the zoo had been operating without a permit for three years.

Hladík wants seized animals to become state property, a move supported by agriculture, veterinary, police and environmental authorities.

Currently, licensed private breeders in Czechia keep dozens of big cats, lynxes, pumas, bears and other predators outside of zoos and circuses.