Commentary by Denis Ponomarenko, partner and attorney at BARRISTERS Law Firm, on the topic: “Animal Exploitation”

In the center of Odesa, animals are being exploited for commercial purposes without any permits. Furry and feathered animals are left under the scorching sun all day long so their owners can make money. Visitors can ride ponies and horses, and take photos with reptiles, pigeons, and other ornamental birds. However, the animal owners do not have any permits for commercial activities, and the animals themselves are often working to the point of exhaustion. City officials have taken note of the problem and plan to resolve it, but it’s not that simple.