Cases of extreme brutality against animals call for tighter laws in Bulgaria
A puppy that was tortured to death at a shelter near the Bulgarian capital Sofia by unknown intruders is causing a wave of international protest against the current legislation. FOUR PAWS Bulgaria has reported a series of new cases in which stray dogs were mutilated and killed – even if the culprits are being prosecuted, such incidents are currently filed as mere administrative violations and are only punishable with a fine of up to € 500. The government has not yet shown any interest in altering the penal code. FOUR PAWS and other animal welfare organisations are now counting on pressure from abroad to change this and thereby be able to protect animals more effectively from ruthless violence.
 FOUR PAWS Bulgaria has issued a reward for information revealing the identity of unknown suspects who broke into a shelter near Sofia, in which they abducted a puppy, skinned it alive and beheaded the young dog. There has been an increasing number of similar reports as of late: in March, a stray dog was found with all four legs cut off; since then several other dogs were hanged in public places. Brutality against animals is a frequent problem in one of the youngest EU member states. In spite of a respectable – and in parts even exemplary – animal welfare law, the penal code in effect stands behind by a mile and offers little to no punishment of extreme violence committed against dogs and cats.
International response is vital
The drop-back of recent incidents should not diminish the success story of animal welfare in Bulgaria. FOUR PAWS Bulgaria will be celebrating its 10th anniversary later this year – and much has been accomplished in only a decade. Public awareness has risen considerably and people’s attitude towards stray dogs has changed remarkably in cities in which FOUR PAWS is operating its Stray Animal Care programme (SAC). In order to enduringly prevent cases like the brutal murder of the puppy in Sofia, animal lovers from all across Europe are being called upon to utter their protest against the current penal code, contact their local Bulgarian embassy and support FOUR PAWS in its quest to change the living conditions of animals in Bulgaria and elsewhere.
09.09.2010
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