The Estonian Animal Protection Union wants to create a registry of people who have been banned from keeping animals. Currently, in Estonia, a ban on keeping animals can be imposed if a person has mistreated animals or violated regulations. However, this ban is very rarely used.
Pille Tees, a member of the Animal Protection Union, says that the registry would help better enforce and monitor the ban. Currently, no one knows who has been banned from keeping animals. It's like a driver's license – if it cannot be checked, it doesn't work.
With the help of the registry, cases where a person takes in an animal despite the ban could be prevented. Animal breeders and animal protection organizations, for example, should have access to the registry.
Tees mentioned that some people repeatedly mistreat animals. Even if an animal is taken away from them, they soon take in a new one. Even if there is a ban, no one checks it.
The Animal Protection Union has proposed to the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Digital Affairs to create the registry. Minister Liisa Pakosta stated that the creation of the registry requires thorough discussion. So far, no discussions have taken place, and the ministry does not yet have a position.
If the registry is created, it will be necessary to carefully consider what data to collect and who should have access to it. The operation and security of the registry will also need to be discussed.