The new legislation defines cruel treatment of animals, which includes abuse, beatings or other violent acts that inflicted physical pain, suffering, and did not cause bodily harm, mutilation, or death, abandonment of animals, including violation of animal welfare rules.
All these actions entail a fine from UAH 3,400 to UAH 5,100 with the confiscation of the pet if the animal's stay at the owner poses a threat to its life or health.
If two or more animals are abused, or the perpetrators acted in a group, or if it was a repeated act, a severer punishment is stipulated – a fine of UAH 5,100 to UAH 8,500, or an administrative arrest up to 15 days with confiscation of the animal if necessary.
Read alsoRada mulls making illegal border crossing criminal offense, for Russians
The Criminal Code is supplemented by the article "cruel treatment of animals," providing for arrest for up to six months or restriction of freedom for up to three years.
If the act of animal abuse has been performed in the presence of a minor, the restriction or liberty or imprisonment for 3-5 years is foreseen.
Those treating animals with grave cruelty face up to 8 years in prison.
