A group of animal rights activists staged a protest at the Ministry of Justice, demanding that criminal liability for cruelty to animals should be instituted. They consider the current punishment is too mild, while the authorities delay amending the legislation. The protesters brought pictures of killed animals with them, IPN reports.
Head of the organization “Societatea Umana” (“Human Society”) Karl Luganov said they asked to introduce an article on cruelty to animal in the Penal Code last February and a protest was mounted last November. Nothing has changed yet. The animals continue to be treated with cruelty. Recently, a man beat his horse to death.
The activist said 15,000 signatures were collected in support of the introduction of criminal liability for cruelty to animals. In Germany, cruelty to animals is punished with a fine of up to €25,000, while Romania gives jail terms for this.
The Contravention Code of the Republic of Moldova envisions fines of up to 1,200 lei in his regard. If they are paid within 72 hours, the fines are halved.
Deputy Minister of Justice Nicolae Esanu told the press that the protesters’ demand is being examined by the Ministry, but this goes against the policy pursued by the authorities concerning the humanization of the criminal law. “Any problem should be solved in accordance with the law and we should try and draft well-planned bills, not write them overnight so as to have to swiftly amend them,” he stated.
