Historic decision as Croatia makes animal abandonment a crime

Changes to the Penal Code in Croatia

Members of Parliament in Croatia on Thursday voted on the final proposal of amendments and supplements to the Penal Code, which, among other things, introduces a new criminal offence – animal abandonment. 

ZAGREB,  15 March (Hina/CW) – The Animal Friends Croatia NGO on Thursday welcomed amendments to the Penal Code in Croatia under which abandoning an animal is treated as a felony offence carrying a prison sentence of up to two years.

The association hails this legislative solution as a historic decision, adding that Croatia thus keeps up with other European countries.

“This is a historic decision for animals and a result of great engagement of the Animal Friends Croatia, which launched a petition in 2021 demanding that animal abandonment should be treated as a felony offence punishable by imprisonment.”

The association also hailed other harsher regulations against animal abuse.

Until now, the maximum sentence could be up to one year in prison, but now it will be up to two years. If these criminal acts are committed out of greed, the perpetrator may receive a prison sentence of up to three years instead of the previous two.

“We thank the citizens who signed the petition, the relevant ministry that accepted our proposals, the Government that improved existing provisions, and the Members of Parliament who supported the designation of animal abandonment as a criminal offence and the increase in prison sentences for the crime of torturing and killing animals, Animal Friends Croatia said, adding.

“Abandoning animals is truly a monstrous act! Anyone who abandons them is aware that an animal cannot survive alone, that it may perish in traffic, and that death from hunger, thirst, or freezing does not occur immediately, but involves prolonged suffering and agony.”

It is expected that these legal amendments will enable easier implementation and more effective protection of animals in Croatia.