Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – Photos of a killed striped hyena have circulated on social media. Officials from the Department of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of Surkhandarya Region, together with the National Guard, have investigated the incident.

It was determined that the incident occurred in late October to early November 2023 in the mahalla of "Obodon" in Shurchin District of Surkhandarya Region, involving citizen Sh.Kh. As a result of the incident, nature suffered damage totaling 1 billion 60 thousand Uzbek soms.

During the investigation at the scene, animal bones were discovered and sent for examination to relevant organizations to obtain a scientific opinion. After receiving the conclusion, documents will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for appropriate action.

The Ministry of Ecology reminds that cruel treatment of animals entails legal responsibility. Specifically, according to Article 202 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan, destruction of animals listed in the Red Book is punishable by a fine ranging from 400 to 600 basic estimated values, or by restriction of freedom for a period of 3 to 5 years, or by imprisonment for a term of 3 to 5 years.