Citizens protest, demand effective sentences for animal abusers

Protesters gathered outside the Sofia City Court building to demand tougher sentences for animal cruelty offences. The court is hearing the case against Gabriela Sashova and Krasimir Georgiev, who are accused of belonging to an organised criminal group responsible for acts of extreme cruelty involving the murder of vertebrate animals, as well as money laundering. The pair were arrested in March 2025 after videos depicting animal torture were released.

“We are here to reiterate our demand for serious sentences. We have not forgotten, and we have clearly drawn the line on what we will tolerate,” said Angela Musavi, one of the protesters. According to her, the animal police are not functioning as they should.

• Citizens protest, demanding the harshest penalties for animal abusers

Zlatin Mladenski, founder of the organisation 'Mecho and Friends' and one of the protest organisers, said that animal abuse occurs daily, which is why severe sentences are crucial. He also criticised the animal police, describing them as "a mere formality". He added that the number of trained animal police officers is insufficient.

‘Prevention of animal abuse is necessary through educational campaigns that promote the humane treatment of animals, especially since animal cruelty almost always escalates into violence against humans,’ he added.

Editor: Diana Tsankova