An illegal fight between dogs, organized outside Cimislia town, was interrupted by the police, who discovered about 70 spectators and 30 purebred dogs on the spot. According to preliminary information, at least five more fights were conducted before the police arrived, IPN reports.
The police take action to identify all those involved in organizing, financing or supporting these activities that fall under the crime of cruelty to animals.
The “Live Life” Dog Shelter Association issued a statement saying that dog fights are not new and have been taking place for years in a number of localities in the country. According to the organization, such events are staged frequently and the perpetrators use private chats to organize them. The representatives of the shelter note that a specialized police unit for the protection of animals is necessary as the witnesses to these facts hesitate to report them, some because they are afraid of the organizers.
The authorities inform that the investigations are ongoing. Cruelty to animals in the Republic of Moldova is criminally punishable. Cruel treatment or torture of animals, which caused their mutilation or death, is punishable by fines of up to 67,500 lei. A prison sentence of 1 to 3 years can also be given for aggravating situations.
