On behalf of the NGO “Intimate with Nature Society,” on protection of animals in the Razgrad zoo in Bulgaria 

The petitioner expresses deep concern about the mistreatment and the lack of respect for the animals in the small Razgrad zoo. She states that the animals are neglected by the zoo staff and are tortured by the noise of the stadium built next to the zoo, mentioning in particular the poor health condition of the lions residing there. The petitioner states that the zoo has been operating for 3 years without a valid license, which is a violation of the European law (Council Directive 1999/22/EC of 29 March 1999) which requires the closure of a zoo that has not obtained a licence within a period of 2 years.