Torture and Murder of Animals to be Punishable by Imprisonment

The torture or killing of domestic animals will now see punishment by imprisonment in Georgia.
After amendments to the law, all those who treat an animal cruelly or in such a way as to cause its death will spend a year in prison.

“For the very first case of violence against animals, resulting in mutilation or death, there is a new punishment in Georgia – imprisonment”, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated at a government meeting, adding that  such a law will protect animals and help people to change their behavior towards them.

“We initiated the draft law on animal cruelty and the Parliament of Georgia adopted it at the third hearing. This is a very important fact and I want to thank every member of Parliament”, Kaladze said.

Administrative punishment is also to be toughened.

“We’ve seen so many cases of killing and tortured animals. It’s very hard to see and tightening the law in this regard is important. In the case of animal cruelty, which causes suffering, administrative punishment will be toughened. The existing fine will be increased to 500 GEL. If a minor is seen to be cruel to animals, the parent(s) will be held responsible," said the Tbilisi Mayor.

New regulations will be launched within a week.

Photo: Kakha Kaladze/Tbilisi City Hall

By Ana Dumbadze