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On Monday, members of the Seimas registered amendments to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter the CC) and the Code of Administrative Offenses (hereinafter the ANC).
The bill that modifies the CC proposes to double the maximum prison sentence and stipulates that whoever has cruelly treated an animal will torture it if it killed or was mutilated, sanctioned with public works or a fine, or arrest, or prison of up to two years. Furthermore, it is proposed to provide that a person who has cruelly treated an animal should not be able to acquire and keep the animal in his habitual residence for three to five years.
“The scale of illegal kennels encountered by active citizens and the cruelty and violence against animals is shocking. It is clear that the current fines for animal torturers are too low, and it is also completely illogical that a person who has once been convicted for cruel treatment can buy a new pet immediately. It cannot be. That is why we are making a proposal to prevent the abuser from buying a new pet. The need for this provision is emphasized by animal guardians, shelter employees, people who are constantly in contact with affected animals, ”said Seimas member A. Gedvilienė.
The draft law that modifies the ANC proposes to triple the fines and a penalty of between 150 and 3,600 euros for cruel treatment and torture of an animal. Repeated misconduct would result in a fine of up to € 5,250. The cruel treatment of an animal, the torture of an animal resulting in death or mutilation would carry a fine of between € 900 and € 5,250. Repeated misconduct would result in a fine of up to € 6,900. The ANC amendment also proposes to strengthen the regulation of confiscation of animals for ill-treatment.
“I hope that increased fines and the maximum prison sentence will further deter abusers from committing crimes and protect animals,” said Laurynas Kaščiūnas.
He also noted that in other EU countries, the penalties for such crimes are much more severe. For example, in Poland, fines and torture of animals can be fined between € 116 and € 23,178, in Latvia € 29,600, in Germany € 25,000, in Austria between € 2,000 and € 150,000 and in Greece between € 5,000 and € 2,000 . 15,000 euros. Higher sentences and imprisonment: up to 2 years in Poland for cruelty and torture, up to 3 years in cases of extreme cruelty, up to 3 years in Latvia, Germany, Hungary, 4 months to 4 years in Finland, Austria – up to 5 years.
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