Azerbaijan parliament approves increased fines for animal cruelty

The Milli Majlis, Azerbaijan's parliament, has approved the first reading of a bill that aims to increase fines for animal cruelty. The proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses were discussed during today's plenary session, Report informs.

According to the suggested changes, cruel treatment of animals, such as causing them pain, suffering, beating, or forcing them to fight, will result in a fine ranging from 500 to 800 manats (approximately $295 to $470). If these actions are performed demonstratively, including showcasing them in media, the fine will range from 800 to 1,000 manats ($470 to $590).

In cases where the cruel treatment leads to an animal's injury, the fine will be between 1,000 and 1,500 manats ($590 to $885). If the same actions result in the death of an animal, the fine will range from 1,500 to 2,000 manats ($885 to $1,180). Depending on the circumstances of the case and considering the offender's personality, an administrative arrest of up to one month may be applied.

Another proposed amendment to the Code stipulates a fine of 1,000 to 1,500 manats or an administrative arrest of up to one month for promoting animal cruelty, making open calls for cruel treatment of animals, or using materials depicting such treatment for commercial purposes.