On March 24, 2025, the Economic and Social Council (ESC) of the Republic of Bulgaria adopted an important declaration unequivocally condemning violence against animals. This significant statement is the result of an initiative by the “Via Pontica” Foundation—an organization with a longstanding commitment to biodiversity conservation and the promotion of high ethical standards in the treatment of animals.
In its declaration, the ESC expresses deep concern and outrage over the increasing cases of animal cruelty, which not only violate the law but also undermine the moral foundations of society. The Council emphasizes that violence against animals is a troubling indicator of deeper social issues—lack of empathy, responsibility, and awareness.
The document makes a firm call to state institutions to take immediate and decisive action. The key proposals include:
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Strengthening criminal liability for perpetrators of animal abuse;
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Increasing penalties for particularly severe cases of cruelty;
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Introducing punishments for filming and distributing videos of animal violence;
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Strict enforcement of the existing provisions of the Penal Code.
The “Via Pontica” Foundation welcomes the adoption of this declaration as a crucial step toward a more humane and responsible society. The organization will continue to advocate for legislative and institutional measures to ensure better animal protection and to reinforce public intolerance toward all forms of cruelty.
The full text of the declaration can be read here:
See also the letter from the “Via Pontica” Foundation to the ESC Chairmanship Council, calling for urgent and effective actions to protect animals:
