The Center for Initiatives and Public Authorities Monitoring, which is a public association, next week will present a bill on animal protection to the Government, with the request to register it as a legislative initiative. In a news conference at IPN, the Center’s head Ion Dron said such a bill is needed as Moldova is the only state in the region that didn’t ratify the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals and does not have a framework law to protect the animals or national or local programs to deal with the problem of animals without an owner.

The bill that will be submitted to the Government suggests making punishment for violence against animals harsher. This defines the notion of “cruelty to animals” and introduces the concept of “seizure of animals” and the ban on keeping animals.

“The Republic of Moldova declares that it shares the European values. We want to see this by deeds. We are champions in Europe in making statements, but come last by deeds. We want a clear answer: does Moldova need a law on animal protection or not?” said Ion Dron. According to him, the animals should be treated with decency and respect. The existing legislative gap can be filled by the proposed law.

Karl Luganov, chairman of the public association “Societatea Umana” (“Human Society”), which helped draft the bill, said animal rights activists during many years have tried to obtain clear regulations in the field, but all in vain. Currently, those who are violent towards animals face only fines, which are very small.

The members of the associations called on all the interested NGOs to support the bill by signing the letter that will be addressed to the Government and parliamentary groups.