Historic Move in Croatia - Prison Sentence for Animal Abandonment
The Amendments to the Penal Code officially came into effect on April 2nd, bringing with them the long-awaited positive changes in animal protection, including the introduction of a new criminal offense – animal abandonment. Under the new legislation, individuals who abandon domestic animals, pets, captive wild animals, or any other animal they are responsible for will face imprisonment for up to one year. If the abandonment results in the death of an animal or involves the abandonment of multiple animals, the perpetrator could be sentenced to up to two years in prison. This historic decision marks a significant victory for animal welfare and is the culmination of extensive efforts by the organization Animal Friends Croatia, which initiated a petition in 2021 urging for animal abandonment to be treated as a criminal offense. Notably, 80% of the population supported this campaign.
From now on, the abandonment animal must be reported to the police or municipal prosecutor's office, rather than the veterinary inspection as before. Explaining the rationale behind the changes, Animal Friends Croatia states that citizens will no longer have to wait for veterinary inspectors to respond to reports of abandonment. Instead, they can immediately report the act to the police. This streamlined process aims to expedite responses and facilitate the prosecution of offenders. Furthermore, it serves as a deterrent against animal abandonment, as individuals are now aware that they risk imprisonment.
In Croatia, over 10,000 animals are abandoned each year, and the victims of abandonment are not just dogs and cats, but also domestic animals such as cows and sheep that people acquire for incentives, only to abandon them later. This is particularly problematic because finding suitable accommodation for them is very challenging, and it also represents a significant financial burden for local government units.
Association members also hope that citizens will now carefully take into consideration whether they have the necessary resources to provide long-term care for an animal before acquiring one. The goal is to promote responsible pet ownership and encourage measures such as spaying, neutering, and microchipping to control animal populations, thus reducing instances of abandonment.
Additionally, the Ministry of Justice and Administration's decision to incorporate a new security measure into the Penal Code – a ban on owning or acquiring animals for a period of one to five years – is celebrated by the Association. This measure allows courts to impose restrictions on individuals who have committed animal-related offenses if there is a risk of reoffending. This inclusion is crucial as it addresses the concerning trend of offenders quickly acquiring new animals after perpetrating acts of cruelty, thereby posing ongoing risks to animal welfare.
Furthermore, the penalties for causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals and for killing or severely abusing animals have been increased. Previously, the maximum penalty was one year in prison, whereas now, it can be up to two years. In cases where these offenses are committed out of greed, perpetrators may face imprisonment for up to three years, compared to the previous two years.
Animal Friends Croatia expresses gratitude towards the citizens who supported the petition, the Ministry for accepting their proposals, the government for enhancing existing provisions, and the Members of Parliament for supporting the criminalization of animal abandonment and the escalation of penalties for animal abuse and killing. They emphasize that animal abandonment is a heinous act that subjects animals to prolonged suffering and agony, highlighting the importance of enforcing these laws effectively. Animal Friends Croatia thus urges anyone with information about law violations to promptly report any instances of animal abandonment and abuse to the police.
April 2024.
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