MOSCOW, May 11 (RAPSI) – The State Duma Committee on Ecology and Environment Protection has informed the Presidential Human Rights Council on its work on the bill aimed to ensure responsible treatment of animals, which is to be discussed by the lower house of the Russian Parliament in the second reading, the Council’s official website reads on Friday.

The State Duma informs the Council that the Committee has already processed over 300 amendments and several thousands of proposals and comments related to the bill submitted by experts and activists.

Nevertheless, the Committee says, due to certain still unresolved differences among the responsible Ministries, the exact date of the discussion is yet to be settled. Besides, as the statement reads, the progress of the legislative initiative depends on the development of governmental implementation mechanisms to be put in place.

Activists citing expert opinions say the bill will create a civilized and humane system in this area and foster a responsible attitude toward animals. The bill sets forth humane principles of treatment of animals, measures aimed to prevent abusive handling, and mechanisms increasing responsibility of owners, the statement reads.