Animal abuse is to be criminally liable

Two important changes have been introduced into the draft laws being under the consideration of the House of Representatives’ members.

These changes were announced to public by a deputy Natallia Hujvik, belngo.info reports. First, criminal responsibility for animal abuse will be introduced. The draft law allows arrest, correctional labor (for up to one year), and fine for animal abuse which caused the animal’s death or injury.

Second, the Ministry of Internal Affairs officials will be granted the right to execute a process-verbal for administrative violations in this sphere. It is also planned to adopt a specific law on animal abuse.

Let us recall that in February 2014 EuroBelarus Information Service wrote that public prosecution bodies charged the Ministry of Internal Affairs officials with the right to revise Article 15.45 of the Administrative Offences Code and Article 339.1 of the Criminal Code, i.e. to introduce criminal liability for animal cruelty.