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
- 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.
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