The GREEN MOVEMENT party joins the outrage and protest against the cruel torture of animals, caused and filmed for the purposes of sadistic entertainment and profit from their suffering.
We are grateful for the vigilance of the KAJI association and the “Bulgarian Elves” - exposers of the Bulgarian participants in a criminal network for trading in such videos.
In the “Green Movement” we have always believed that the development of human societies should also be assessed by their care for man's silent companions - domestic, agricultural and wild animals. Bulgarian society has a high level of empathy and care for animals. Unfortunately, the state and local authorities do not have a clear policy in this regard.
The legislation in Bulgaria still does not provide sufficient protection with regard to crimes against animals. Increasing penalties for particularly serious cases of animal abuse, as well as the overall strengthening of the mechanisms for investigating and sanctioning such crimes, are key steps that the “Green Movement” will demand and support.
Measures for the humane treatment and protection of animals have always been present in the program of the “Green Movement”. Campaign legislative changes are not enough - comprehensive, institutional solutions are needed to guarantee effective counteraction to inhumane treatment of animals.
Here are some reforms and measures for effective protection of animals that we propose:
1. Improving legislation and law enforcement in the field of crimes against the environment, biodiversity and animals with a clear division of responsibilities and coordination between institutions; developing the capacity and activities of the specialized structure “Crimes against the environment and wildlife“ at the DG “National Police“, established in 2023.
2. Reviewing the work of the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency (BFSA) regarding animal welfare control.
3. Establishing an Advisory Council with the participation of experts from scientific circles and civil society organizations to develop long-term animal protection policies.
4. Establishing rescue centers for wild animals injured by human activity.
5. Ban on raising animals for the production of valuable furs and for the needs of the cosmetics industry.
6. Breeding and trade in animals should be carried out only by registered kennels, which should be subject to strict control. Introduction of an effective system for identification and tracking of all domestic and farm animals.
7. Prohibition of the sale of dogs and cats in markets, on internet sites and pet stores.
8. Closure of zoos that do not comply with the Animal Protection Act and European legislation on scientific and conservation centers.
Bulgaria needs a systematic, institutional approach to animal protection. “Green Movement“ will be an active driver of the necessary legislative changes and will monitor their effective implementation. Animal protection is an integral part of sustainable development and European values, for which we will continue to fight.