Hungarian Parliament recently unanimously voted to tighten the country’s animal protection law, with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán posting on Facebook: “Our common cause is animal protection.”
“Jail anyone who: tortures animals in an animal shelter, poisons animals, trades baby (animals) before a certain age by separating them from their mothers. We are all in this together for animal welfare!” he added
The prime minister called it important that all vulnerable animals in Hungary receive dignified treatment and that more effective action be taken against animal abusers in the future.
According to the so-called deadly connection theory, animal abusers are more likely to turn against their fellow humans, Szilvia Vetter, a lawyer specializing in animal protection and legal psychology, told Index.hu.
The head of the Animal Protection Law, Analysis and Methodology Center of the University of Veterinary Medicine says the new law well reflects society’s growing sensitivity to the fate of animals.
The original draft motion was submitted by Fidesz MP Péter Ovádi, who was later joined by Justice Minister Bence Tuzson and Fidesz “father-in-law” László Vécsey, with all members of Hungary’s parliament present voted to pass the legislation.
The Act on Certain Amendments to the Laws Necessary for the Protection of Animals will enter into force in the second half of August, at which time, it will be faster and easier to confiscate severely neglected animals, people will be able to adopt animals seized during criminal proceedings, and in some cases, bans on keeping animals may be applied.
“It is particularly outrageous when the crime of animal cruelty is committed by a person who is entrusted with the care of the animal, and the criminal law will now take stricter action against this, Vetter told Index, adding that if the act affects more than 10 animals, the Penal Code will provide for imprisonment of up to five years.
The crackdown on breeding farms will also reach a new level: if someone weans (baby dogs or cats) too early in commercial quantities (which was already illegal) and exports or imports them, it will now be considered a crime:
Anyone who imports, exports or transports babies separated from their mothers in commercial quantities into, from or through the territory of the country before the age specified in the legislation on the keeping and distribution of pet animals shall be punished by imprisonment for a term of up to one year.
There will also be a ban on acquiring live animals in prize draws, the aim of which is to ensure that adopting an animal is a conscious, considered decision that lasts for the rest of the animal’s life.
He also confirmed that homeless people can still keep companion animals, but due to the poor conditions experienced recently, especially in Budapest, begging with an animal will be a violation.
“Animal cruelty and irresponsible animal husbandry are unforgivable and unacceptable in Hungary,” Vetter emphasized, adding that law enforcement officers will have to adapt and enforce these stricter laws. Professional training and strengthening of the authority infrastructure will be key to making sure authorities nationwide do their job.
Framing the new legislation as equally important for the safety and well-being of humans, Szilvia Vetter said, “Animal protection is not only for animals, but also for people: where there are no stray dogs, they cannot cause bite accidents, in the case of poorly kept animals there is a high risk of infections and zoonoses, moreover, these animals do not bring any economic benefit, and according to the so-called deadly connection theory, animal abusers are more likely to turn against their fellow humans.”
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