We strongly condemn the actions of the competent state authorities of the Republic of Armenia, specifically the responsible officials of the Yerevan Municipality, the Yerevan Zoo (the Zoo), and law enforcement agencies, which were carried out during the relocation of rare breed lions and other wild animals (the animals) belonging to Gagik Tsarukyan, the President of the “Prosperous Armenia” Party and businessman.
According to publicly available information, the decision for the forced relocation of the animals was executed without prior veterinary examination, necessary laboratory testing, or expert opinion, which were mandatory for the preliminary assessment of the animals’ health condition, forecasting relocation risks, and ensuring the safety of general anesthesia.
It is unacceptable if an animal’s health issues became known only after its death, rather than as a result of a proper examination conducted beforehand. This was an obligation of the state and the authorities to properly implement and ensure this process.
You can read the full text of the condemning statement.
