Fines Introduced for Those Who Abandon Pets
Previously, one could either face criminal liability for an animal's death — or nothing at all.
In Belarus, administrative responsibility is being introduced for cruel treatment of animals and, separately, for abandoning them. Previously, such actions could only fall under a criminal article — and only in cases where they led to the death or mutilation of an animal.
Previously, only Article 339¹ of the Criminal Code was in effect, which provided for punishment for cruel treatment of an animal if it led to its death or mutilation. For this, arrest or restriction of liberty for up to two years could be imposed, and for repeat offenses or group actions — up to four years of restriction of liberty or imprisonment.
Now, Article 19.14 is being introduced into the Code of Administrative Offenses, covering a wider range of situations:
— for cruel treatment of an animal without consequences in the form of death or mutilation, a fine of up to 15 basic units is stipulated (today a basic unit is 45 rubles).
— for abandoning an animal — a fine from 10 to 30 basic units.
— for cruel treatment, expressed as torture or leading to death or mutilation — a fine from 20 to 30 basic units, or community service, or arrest for up to 15 days.
What does "abandoning an animal" mean? It is the actual abandonment of a pet, as well as the failure to report the disappearance of a registered animal within three days.
Thus, the authorities are effectively filling the gap between the absence of responsibility and criminal prosecution — and for the first time are introducing a separate punishment for the very act of abandoning pets.
The new norm will come into effect in two months.