site.btaBulgarian Veterinary Union Issues Official Position on Animal Cruelty

The Bulgarian Veterinary Union (BVU) has issued an official position regarding animal cruelty in connection with the recent high-profile animal torture case, in which a man and a woman were arrested for torturing and killing animals, filming the acts and selling the footage to customers worldwide. 

"Such actions not only cause suffering to living beings but are also a worrying sign 

of the level of humanity and morality in our society. We categorically declare our uncompromising stance against all forms of animal cruelty. In this regard, we call for the immediate review and adoption of necessary legislative changes to criminalize severe forms of cruelty and to ensure effective law enforcement. We believe that the competent authorities – the police and the judiciary – should have clear powers and mechanisms for investigating and sanctioning such crimes," said the BVU.

The BVU also issued a call to state institutions, the media, and society as a whole to take an active stance against animal cruelty and to join  efforts in building a more humane and responsible environment.

"Compassion and respect for all living beings are marks of an advanced and civilized society, which we should all strive towards," the BVU further stated.

The case sparked a protest and reactions from Bulgarian MEP Emil Radev and the Bulgarian Socialist Party.