Prison sentences will be imposed for animal cruelty

According to the new Article 339-1 of the Criminal Code of Belarus, cruel treatment that resulted in the death or mutilation of an animal, committed out of hooligan, mercenary, or other base motives, or in the presence of a person known to be a minor, is punishable by public works, or a fine, or correctional labor for up to one year, or arrest.

However, for the same act committed repeatedly or by a group of persons, one can receive punishment in the form of arrest, or restriction of liberty for up to one year, or imprisonment for the same term. This article comes into force on January 27.

Amendments and changes to the Criminal Code of Belarus are published on the legal portal pravo.by.

Animal rights activists called such a sentence too lenient.

According to paragraph 19 of Article 1 of the Law of Belarus "On Wildlife", cruel treatment of wild animals means the capture of wild animals in distress, the destruction of their habitats (except in cases provided for by this Law and other legislative acts), beating, torture of wild animals, and other actions (inaction) that contradict the rules established by law.