Cruelty to animals: law and consequences

It's no secret that sometimes people treat pets like toys. It can be even worse: an animal is used as a punching bag when you need to vent your anger about your life's troubles. There are many cases when an animal is adopted and then thrown away in a few months due to a change in life circumstances. We have to admit that unethical behavior is usually not prosecuted by law. However, everyone should know where the law restricts human arbitrariness in relations with animals and where negligence turns into cruelty.

Definition of cruelty
The Law of Ukraine "On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty" states that cruelty to animals is the abuse of animals (domestic and stray) that causes them pain and suffering, setting animals against each other, leaving animals to fend for themselves, and other violations of the rules for keeping, handling, and transporting animals.

Cases and actions considered cruel treatment
1). Killing, beating and injuring, causing pain and suffering, mutilation, poisoning and any actions that may lead to this.
2). Training an animal in a way that is harmful to its health.
3). Giving pets as prizes, awards and rewards.
4). Begging with animals.
5). Leaving an animal unattended in a car at a temperature of more than +20°C and less than +5°C.
6). Leaving an animal tied up without the ability to hide indoors at temperatures above +20°C or below 0°C.
7). Leaving a pet tied up if the length of the tether is less than 20 meters. For guard dogs - less than 10 meters.
8). Leaving an animal tied up unattended in public places or crowded places (near bus stops, shops, etc.).
9). Tying an animal to a vehicle and forcing it to run after motor vehicles.
10). Forcing one animal to attack another.

When the law allows violence against animals
The law allows euthanizing an animal if:
1). Its suffering cannot be stopped in any other way.
2). The animal has rabies.
3). There is a need to defend oneself from an animal attack because human life or health is in danger. It is separately noted that police officers have the right to use firearms to repel an attack by animals that threaten the life and health of a person or a police officer.

Liability for Cruelty to Animals
Depending on the severity of the violation, administrative or criminal liability is provided for cruelty to animals.

Administrativeliability
An administrative violation occurs if an animal is subjected to physical pain and suffering, but without bodily injury, mutilation or death. It also occurs in cases where the animal was left to fend for itself, violated the rules of its maintenance and transportation.
Administrative liability provides for:
1). For the first violation of one animal, a fine of UAH 3,400 to 5,100 is imposed.
2). For a repeated violation or violation in relation to several animals, or committed by a group of persons, either a fine of UAH 5,100 to UAH 8,500 or administrative arrest for up to 15 days is imposed.
3). If the owner's presence poses a threat to the life or health of the animal, it may be confiscated.

Criminal liability
Criminal liability is incurred for cruelty to vertebrate animals (cats, dogs, goats, cows, birds) if human actions:
1). Led to the injury or death of an animal.
2). Consisted of setting animals against each other.
3). Had hooligan or mercenary motives.
4). Contained calls or propaganda for cruelty to animals.
Liability for a criminal violation provides for:
1). Restriction of liberty for a term of 1 to 3 years or imprisonment for a term of 2 to 3 years with confiscation of the animal.
2). From 5 to 8 years of imprisonment with confiscation of the animal for actions committed with the purpose of creating, selling or distributing products that promote cruelty to animals (for example, videos with abuse).
If you witness cruelty to animals
1). Call the police.
2). If possible, stop the offender (without risking your own safety) and help the animal.
3). Take photos/videos, find witnesses, and record the address of the incident.
4). Contact animal protection organizations or volunteers.

Олег Пархітько