Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

In the wake of the infamous Pernik case

Animal cruelty to be punished more severely in Bulgaria

The Council of Ministers has approved and submitted to Parliament for debate amendments to the Criminal Code

Photo: BGNES

The Council of Ministers has approved and submitted to Parliament for debate amendments to the Criminal Code that increase the penalties for torturing animals and add new, more severe punishments if what is done is filmed for distribution. 


If the offence is committed for personal gain, it is proposed that the penalty will be between 3 and 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of between 2,500 and 10,000 euros. In particularly severe cases, the punishment would be imprisonment from 3 to 12 years and a fine from 5,000 to 15,000 euros.

The amendments are proposed in the wake of the infamous Pernik case, in which a young woman, with the help of a male accomplice, filmed herself torturing and killing hundreds of small animals for fetishist clients outside Bulgaria. This case of monstrous violence sparked widespread protests in many cities across Bulgaria.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Frost is possible in the valleys and high fields, but it will be warm during the day

On Tuesday , the lowest temperatures will be between 2 and 7°C. In the valleys and high fields the temperature can drop to minus 2°C; in Sofia – about 1°C. In the morning, there will be reduced visibility along the river valleys. It..

published on 10/20/25 7:15 PM

European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigates projects in Plovdiv Municipality

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has carried out searches in the Municipality of Plovdiv and in a company suspected of public procurement fraud related to the improvement of urban green and public spaces in the city, the EP..

published on 10/20/25 4:10 PM

GDP grows by 3.4% in 2024

In 2024, the gross domestic product of Bulgaria increased in real terms by 3.4% compared to the previous year, according to data by the National Statistical Institute, BTA reported. Gross national income at market prices last year..

published on 10/20/25 2:52 PM