Target: Georgi Georgiev, Minister of Justice of Bulgaria
Goal: Enact tougher criminal penalties, a national cruelty-offender registry, and dedicated “zoo police” to address escalating animal abuse and ensure swift, certain punishment.
Residents in Sofia and Varna marched with signs that read “Justice for Eva” and “We will not stay silent,” citing cases that have shocked the public. Protesters referenced the dog Maya, reportedly killed in Sofia, as a tragic emblem of what they call weak deterrence and inconsistent enforcement. Organizers said that every day animals are beaten, abandoned, or left to die while offenders often face minimal consequences.
Reports from advocates say this violence is not isolated. Demonstrators in both cities described repeated incidents that go unpunished or under-punished, and they urged authorities to impose meaningful sanctions. Calls included demands for effective sentences, as well as an investigative “zoo police” unit within the Interior Ministry to professionally gather evidence and work with prosecutors. Community members fear that without sharper tools offenders will continue to harm animals and evade accountability.
Meaningful reform can save lives. Harsher statutory penalties, mandatory bans on animal ownership after conviction, psychiatric assessment where appropriate, and a centralized national cruelty tracker would deter repeat offenses and help prosecutors identify patterns. Bulgaria can also adopt rapid-response protocols so seized animals receive immediate veterinary care and cases proceed without delay. This petition urges the Ministry of Justice to champion these reforms.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Georgiev,
We respectfully urge your office to advance urgent legislative and policy measures to combat rising animal cruelty across Bulgaria. Recent protests in Sofia and Varna highlighted repeated, disturbing incidents, including the case of Maya, a dog reportedly killed in Sofia. Advocates say current penalties and enforcement practices are failing to deter offenders who beat, abandon, or otherwise harm companion animals.
We ask the Ministry of Justice to support statutory amendments that create tougher custodial sentences for aggravated cruelty, mandatory post-conviction bans on owning or controlling animals, and court-ordered evaluation and treatment where appropriate. We further request the creation of a national cruelty-offender registry to prevent repeat acquisition of animals, and to aid prosecutors and local authorities in identifying patterns of reported abuse.
Finally, we encourage coordination with the Interior Ministry to establish a dedicated “zoo police” function for evidence-based investigations, along with rapid-response protocols that prioritize animal rescue, veterinary care, and timely case progression. These measures will signal zero tolerance for cruelty, deliver accountability, and better protect vulnerable animals. Thank you for your leadership in ensuring that those who inflict suffering face swift and certain justice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Edal Anton Lefterov
