top of page

Draft of the new Criminal Code / Abandoning animals becomes a criminal offense, punishable by up to 3 years in prison, 3 years also for mistreatment

  • Writer: Korca Boom
    Korca Boom
  • Aug 2
  • 2 min read

If you abandon a dog or a cat, you could face up to 3 years in prison. This is one of the most debated provisions in the new draft Criminal Code, which has been opened for public consultation. The draft includes a special chapter on animal protection, with specific articles addressing abandonment, abuse, and lack of control over animals. Punishments range from fines to imprisonment.


Article 944 – Abandonment

Abandoning an animal in circumstances that endanger its life or health, by someone responsible for its care, is considered a criminal offense. The punishment is a fine or up to 3 years in prison.


Article 943 – Mistreatment of animals


* Causing permanent or temporary harm to a domestic, trained, or tamed animal (including acts of a sexual nature requiring veterinary treatment) is punishable by a fine or up to 3 years in prison.

* If the mistreatment results in the animal's death, the sentence increases by up to 50%.

* If the animal is a vertebrate but not domesticated, the offense is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine or up to 3 months in prison.

* Serious mistreatment without visible injuries may still be punished with a fine or a supplementary penalty as determined by the court.


Article 945 – Failure to control animals in public

Those who fail to control their animals in public spaces, or who do not equip them with protective gear (such as muzzles), may face:


* A fine or up to 6 months in prison if the animal causes minor injury.

* Harsher penalties if serious injury or death results from the lack of control.


Article 946 – Animal fighting

Anyone who promotes, organizes, or participates in animal fights that cause suffering is punishable by:


* A fine or up to 3 months in prison.

* Raising or training animals for fighting, or betting on such fights, may be punished by up to 6 months or 2 months in prison respectively.


Article 947 – Aggravating circumstances

The sentence increases by up to 50% when the offense:


* Is committed with cruelty or for profit,

* Involves weapons or dangerous tools,

* Is committed in the presence of children or vulnerable individuals,

* Is committed by the animal’s owner,

* Takes place during a public event or is distributed via media or digital technology.




“KORÇA BOOM”

ree


bottom of page