The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Ukraine initiates the adoption of a law banning the use of wild animals in circuses, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Ostap Semerak has said on his Facebook page.

"The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources initiates a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses and an administrative responsibility for such acts. The relevant clauses are contained in a draft law that we submitted for consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers," Semerak wrote.

He noted that the draft had been developed by the Ministry of Ecology and National Resources and supported by the Ministry of Culture.

"Thank you for the support of animal rights advocates and animal rights organizations. We look forward to fast consideration and effective voting in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine," Semerak added.