Target: Ruslan Kravchenko, Prosecutor General, Ukraine
Goal: Ensure every substantiated animal cruelty case reaches court, seek maximum prison sentences, restitution, and lifetime bans on owning animals for convicted offenders.
Recent reports indicate 386 criminal animal‑cruelty cases opened in just five months in Ukraine—nearly quadruple last year’s total. Authorities charged suspects in 80 percent of investigations, yet only four percent reached court because the caseload exploded this spring. April alone saw more files opened than all of 2024. The justice gap leaves many victims without legal closure.
Courts have imposed tougher punishments when cases are heard. Sentences range from fines to a five‑year prison term for a man who beat a dog to death with a bat. These rulings show that Article 299 can protect animals when diligently applied. The bottleneck lies in moving files from indictment to trial.
Swift, consistent prosecution deters cruelty, supports public trust, and prevents repeat harm. The Prosecutor General’s Office should prioritize animal‑abuse files, assign specialized staff, and request consecutive sentences plus lifelong animal‑ownership bans for repeat or aggravated offenders. Clear guidelines can help regional prosecutors expedite hearings and secure justice for vulnerable creatures.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Prosecutor General Kravchenko ,
Reports show a record 386 animal‑cruelty cases opened in Ukraine during the first five months of 2025, yet only four percent have reached court. Meanwhile, evidence suggests that when cases do proceed, judges are willing to impose meaningful prison terms. The current backlog risks undermining deterrence and leaving countless victims without remedy.
We respectfully urge your office to create a dedicated unit or task‑force that accelerates Article 299 prosecutions, coordinates with regional investigators, and tracks outcomes until final judgment. Please direct prosecutors to seek the maximum penalty in serious cases, request consecutive terms where law permits, and secure lifetime bans on owning or handling animals for convicted offenders. Restitution orders should cover veterinary treatment, sheltering, and rehabilitation costs.
By treating animal‑cruelty files with the urgency they deserve, Ukraine can show leadership in protecting sentient beings, reinforce public confidence in law enforcement, and help curb violent behavior that often escalates beyond animals.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Egik
