Lithuania’s food safety authority confiscates 95 animals over welfare violations this year

Lithuania’s State Food and Veterinary Service (VMVT) has confiscated 95 animals from 19 owners in the first five months of this year due to welfare violations, public broadcaster LRT reports.

In May alone, following enforcement orders, the agency seized 43 animals—including two livestock—from six individuals. Officials stated that some violations involved deliberate neglect, such as inadequate feeding, lack of water, or failure to provide veterinary care. Other cases arose from owners’ declining health, age, or changing life circumstances that compromised their ability to care for the animals.

Diana Daina Šutovienė, an advisor at VMVT’s Supervision Department, urged owners to treat pets as family members, ensuring proper care, nutrition, exercise, and medical attention. She stressed that while authorities can intervene and respond to reports, they cannot replace owners’ daily responsibilities. Those struggling to meet an animal’s needs due to health or other constraints should seek help promptly rather than waiting for conditions to deteriorate.

The VMVT encourages the public to report suspected animal welfare violations or health concerns.