MOSCOW, June 7 (RAPSI) – A bill prohibiting utilization of animals with the status of evidence in criminal cases has reached the State Duma, the official website of the lower house of parliament reads on Wednesday.

The bill was filed by the Chairperson of the Council of the Federation Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State-Building Andrey Klishas and several other MPs.

The Chairperson noted that currently investigative authorities may only transfer animals registered as evidence for one purpose – utilization or destruction. This situation is caused by problems with containment of such “evidence” until the criminal case is closed.

According to the bill, new provisions will be added to the Russian Criminal Procedural Code stating that an investigator may allow animals, physically incapable of being released into their natural environment, to be returned to a rightful owner. In addition, such animals may be transferred to a care facility if a rightful owner agrees or if a court rules to enforce such decision.

These measures are supposed to humanize the society and preserve biological diversity.