Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine confirmed uniform rules for the transportation of animals in intercity and international bus services, developed by the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development together with the UAnimals organization. The relevant decision was made at a government meeting by amending Cabinet Resolution No. 176.
For the first time, uniform requirements for the transportation of animals on buses have been established, which is expected to increase the comfort of passengers, ensure safer transportation and promote humane treatment of animals.
“Until now, we had vague and ambiguous rules that determined exactly how to transport animals on long-distance and international buses. This created confusion for passengers, drivers and carriers. The new rules are a step towards safer, predictable and humane transport. They take into account the needs of passengers, animals and market operators. And importantly, this is another element of harmonizing Ukrainian norms with European standards.” – noted Deputy Minister of Community and Territorial Development Serhiy Derkach.
The new rules take into account the peculiarities of transporting animals of different weights and sizes:
- Small animals weighing up to 10 kg – such as dogs, cats, ornamental birds and rodents – must be transported in containers, cages or special bags with an absorbent bottom. They can be placed on the arms, under the seat or in a separate place, provided that this place is purchased at the full rate.
- Medium and large dogs (from 10 to 45 kg) must be muzzled and on a leash. In this case, the passenger must purchase all adjacent seats in the same row and place the animal on the floor on a special litter. Placing an animal on the seat is prohibited. No more than one animal is allowed to be transported in the cabin at the same time, or two if accompanied by one person.
- For dogs weighing more than 45 kg, individual conditions of transportation are provided, which are determined by the carrier, provided that specially equipped transport is available.
- Guide dogs that accompany persons with disabilities are transported free of charge, without purchasing seats. They must be muzzled, on a short leash and placed next to the person they are accompanying.
A veterinary document is mandatory for all pets. The government’s decision enters into force after its official publication. The approved rules are mandatory for all carriers that carry out bus passenger transportation within Ukraine and abroad.
The Ministry of Community and Territorial Development thanked the experts and public organizations for their participation in the development of the document and called for further cooperation to create a comfortable, safe and inclusive transport environment.
