Animal protection: Protests were held in 13 cities of Serbia

Activists for animal protection today they held protests in 13 cities of Serbia.

Protests were held in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Pančevo, Niš, Subotica, Kikinda, Sremska Mitrovica, Požarevac, Pirot, Bor, Kraljevo, Čačak and Kragujevac.

The basic crime that protects the welfare of animals is Killing and abusing animals. Because of this, about 200 criminal charges are filed annually, of which only ten result in a criminal verdict.

Activists demand the implementation of the Law on Animal Welfare, the Law on Veterinary Medicine and the Criminal Code, in the part that refers to the abuse and killing of animals.

Legal provisions

The provisions of the Criminal Code concerning the killing and abuse of animals, among other things, provide for a fine or imprisonment of up to two years for anyone who kills, injures, tortures or otherwise abuses an animal in violation of the regulations.

If a large number of animals are killed, tortured or injured, or if the act is committed in relation to an animal belonging to a specially protected animal species, the perpetrator will be fined or imprisoned for up to three years, the law states.

Fines range from 1.200 to XNUMX million dinars, depending on the animal in question and its level of protection. The highest fines are provided for protected animal species, such as the brown bear.

Prison sentences, on the other hand, are extremely rare.

Fifth meeting

They protested in front of the headquarters of the district veterinary inspections and the Veterinary Administration, which are responsible for implementing regulations on animal welfare.

The statement reminds that this is the fifth gathering since the beginning of the year, since two shelters, in Ruma and Gajdobra, were closed because starving and sick animals were found in them in terrible conditions.

Activists claim that this is the case in most shelters in Serbia, despite the significant funds that are allocated each year for zoo hygiene.