In Lviv, law enforcement officers are investigating cruel treatment of an animal, as a result of which a dog named Baron died. Following this incident, investigators opened criminal proceedings, the National Police of Ukraine reported.
On 24 July, a Lviv resident contacted the police stating that her 43-year-old son, while intoxicated, was behaving aggressively and inflicting bodily injuries on the dog.
An investigative team and officers from other units of Police Station No.1 of Lviv District Police Department No.2, as well as officers from the Patrol Police Department in Lviv Region, responded to the call. By the time the law enforcement officers arrived, the man had already left the household.
Patrol officers provided Baron with first aid, called in animal rights activists and escorted volunteers with the injured German Shepherd to a veterinary clinic. Despite the assistance provided, the animal died from its injuries.
Preliminary findings indicate that the man struck the dog with a knife and a pitchfork, causing it bodily injuries. Operatives later established the whereabouts of the alleged perpetrator.
Investigators opened criminal proceedings under Part 3 of Article 299 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (cruel treatment of animals). The article provides for a penalty of imprisonment for a term of five to eight years with confiscation of the animal. Examinations have been ordered and a decision is pending on whether to notify the man that he is under suspicion.