Greens urge protection on World Dog Day

In recognition of World Dog Day, celebrated worldwide on August 26, the Green Party stressed the importance of protecting dogs and the need for the enforcement of existing laws.

The party has repeatedly called for the implementation of legislation to ensure that those who commit crimes against animals are brought to justice.

In a statement released on Monday, the party also highlighted that the lack of a comprehensive and strict legal framework creates opportunities for individuals to exploit legal gaps, leading to criminal acts such as the abuse and killing of dogs.

The current dog law, which is under discussion in parliament, has encountered issues that have prevented it from being brought to a plenary vote.

The party also called for “the immediate removal of euthanasia provisions from the law and the swift creation of regional shelters”.

Additionally, the statement stressed the importance of proper animal identification and the need to prohibit uncontrolled breeding and called for increased penalties under the animal welfare law for cases of abuse or killing of animals, “which should be treated as serious crimes”.

Furthermore, the party emphasised the need for the immediate modernisation and strengthening of the animal police unit.

“Officers in this role should possess strong animal welfare sentiments and receive appropriate training through specialised programmes and evaluations,” the statement said, further advocating for the creation of an independent body with its own equipment, dedicated solely to animal welfare issues.

“We demand that authorities enforce the law and impose appropriate penalties to ensure that those who mistreat animals are punished,” the party said.

“We will fight until the rights of all dogs, and all animals in general, are secured and the necessary reforms for their protection are implemented. Protecting animals is not a privilege, it is a responsibility for all of us.”