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"Welfare of Animals in Baltic Region: Responsible Keeping and Good Practice". The draft law will for the first time clearly define the competence of public institutions in this field. It is planned that the Ministry of Agriculture will form the animal welfare policy; the competence of local governments in this field will be also strengthened. The draft law clearly defines what cruelty to animals is, it also includes what responsibility a pet-owner undertakes. The draft law also speaks about treatment of circus animals, animals used for entertainment and exhibitions. The new draft law is expected to be adopted in autumn, reports LETA/ELTA.

Adolfo Sansolini, international animal welfare consultant, who also took part in the conference, claimed that the EU still does not have a common animal tracing and identification system. "The EU has paid more attention to the protection and care of domestic animals only two years ago. The new strategy is being prepared in order to trace and control the population of animals and ensure their safety," Sansolini said.