A pre-trial investigation has been initiated into the death of a dog thrown from the sixth floor of a residential building in Nessebar, the Burgas police announced.
The dog was found dead in the courtyard of the cooperative. The incident occurred yesterday, and the signal was filed by residents of the building, who reported a dead Yorkshire Terrier puppy.
It was established that the dog was thrown by its owner - a French citizen, who explained that the animal was sick and that is why she threw it over the terrace.
She was tested for alcohol use, and the breathalyzer read 1.54 per mille. The woman was detained for up to 24 hours.
318 people were brought to court for animal cruelty, neglect and organizing animal fights for the period 2019-2024, according to data from the Supreme Cassation Prosecutor's Office.
Despite the serious number of cases, only 9 people received effective prison sentences for cruelty to animals and causing their death.
Of all the prosecutor's acts filed, the most common cases concern cases of causing death and injury to vertebrates - 235 cases, and for neglect - 11 cases. 71.
There are only three cases of organizing and conducting animal fights.
The law provides for various penalties for these crimes:
Up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to 5,000 leva for cruelty to animals and causing their death,
Up to 6 years in prison and a fine of up to 10,000 leva for organizing or participating in animal fights,
Up to 3 years in prison, probation, or a fine of up to 5,000 leva for failing to provide sufficient care for animals, which leads to injury to a person.
The prosecutor's office points out that trials against animal cruelty encounter difficulties due to the fact that the objects of the crime are often stray animals, which makes it difficult to collect evidence, such as veterinary examinations and witness statements.