The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is proposing changes to the Criminal Code to combat animal cruelty, BSP's MP Gabriel Valkov told journalists on Monday in the National Assembly. The initiative responds to public outrage after two individuals in Pernik were exposed to have tortured and killed animals for payment by foreign clients.
The two were exposed following an investigation with the participation of the BG Elves group, were arrested last week and are bring being tried in Pernik. On Sunday, people in Sofia held a protest against animal cruelty.
"Such behavior is absolutely unacceptable in Bulgaria in the 21st century," Valkov commented. He emphasized that the BSP cannot tolerate such forms of violence.
In collaboration with experts from the BSP Youth Alliance, veterinarians, and the chair of the Ecology Committee, who works on animal protection, Valkov’s team has drafted a bill aimed at strengthening penalties for animal abuse.
The MP highlighted the serious nature of such cases, pointing out that similar incidents often escalate into violence against humans, including rape and serial killings. "This is why we need to introduce the full severity of the law today in Parliament," Valkov said.
The proposed amendments include doubling prison sentences for severe cases of animal cruelty, from five to ten years. The BSP also suggests increasing fines from BGN 10,000 to BGN 25,000 to send a strong message against such acts of violence.
Over 100,000 signatures have been collected in support of the proposed changes, with additional provisions related to the recording and sale of animal abuse footage. Valkov called on the authorities to expedite investigations and for the judiciary to act decisively.
"We urge all political parties to support us. We are ready for dialogue and discussions on this bill and any further necessary amendments," Valkov concluded.
/MT/
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