Dogs in rabbit cages, filth, and disease—these were the conditions in which purebred animals were kept at a breeding facility in Izmail. After publicity and statements from animal rights activists and lawmakers, the Odessa regional police opened a criminal investigation.
Appalling conditions for animals
This is not an underground kennel, but an officially registered NGO called the Izmail City Club of Cynology and Felinology "Shield." According to Snizhana Bugrik, a representative of the animal protection organization "Plyushka," the conditions in which the animals are kept there are appalling.
The animal rights activist reported that about a hundred dogs were kept at the cynological club. The animals lived in filth and excrement; short-haired dogs were held in enclosures. Many of the animals were sick and emaciated.
“Bulldogs, bullies, Spitzes, and poodles are bred chaotically. The dogs breed among themselves, kill the weaker ones, and do not receive proper veterinary care. Animals are dying. And all for the sake of selling puppies. There is no control, no inspections. Hundreds, or perhaps even thousands, of animals have suffered from disease and starvation,” – stated Snizhana Buhryk.
Outraged by such treatment of living beings, volunteers from Odesa filed an official complaint to initiate a criminal case for cruelty to animals.
The police did not respond immediately
The organisation UAnimals reported that Odesa region volunteers went to the animal facility and called the police. However, law enforcement officers did not find evidence of a crime.
Therefore, animal rights advocates also filed a complaint with the police. The law enforcement officers also received a parliamentary inquiry from the Interfactional Association “Humane Country”.
The case has been opened
On Saturday, February 14, Odesa region police announced the initiation of criminal proceedings. Law enforcement officers arrived at the cynological club with veterinarians and a representative from the State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection.
An expert assessment confirmed that the conditions for keeping dogs, as well as a cat and domestic birds, were unsatisfactory.
The information was entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under Part 1 of Article 299 of the Criminal Code, which governs liability for cruelty to animals. The police emphasized that this article provides for the confiscation of animals and imprisonment.
The exhausted animals were handed over by the police to animal protection organizations for care.
Source: Main Directorate of the National Police in Odesa Region
Recall that in Ukraine, bill No. 11328, which aims to strengthen liability for animal cruelty, is being prepared for the second reading. Among the new prohibitions are surgical operations on animals "for aesthetic purposes," abandoning animals, and creating obstacles to providing assistance to homeless animals.
