Citizens protest, demanding the harshest penalties for animal abusers

Hundreds of citizens have once again protested against animal cruelty in Plovdiv and Sofia. The protesters demanded that Gabriela Sashova and Krassimir Georgiev from Pernik, who sadistically tortured and killed hundreds of cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other animals, be given the harshest of punishments - permanent detention, a speedy trial and fair sentences.

"Animal torturers are psychopaths and have no place in society. Or rather, let them face the people's wrath and see true retribution for their actions," said the protesters.

• Public debate opens on tougher animal cruelty penalties after shocking Pernik case

The citizens again demanded legal amendments to introduce harsher punishments for this kind of crime. They raised slogans saying: "I support imprisonment for those who abuse, neglect or kill animals. What about you?", "Only a coward hurts those who cannot defend themselves". "Today the victims are animals. Tomorrow it could be children."