Discussion on tougher penalties for animal cruelty after kittens left in extreme heat

Lithuanian animal rights advocates are calling for stricter penalties after a basket containing a cat and four kittens was found in Vilnius, with the animals showing signs of severe heat exposure, LRT reports.

The basket was discovered near the Regitra building in Vilnius. Staff at the Lesė animal shelter, where the animals were taken, suspect they may have been left in the basket for several hours in temperatures exceeding 30°C. The kittens were soaked in urine and saliva, and some had body temperatures reaching 44°C. Despite efforts to save them, the mother cat and one kitten did not survive.

Currently, penalties for animal cruelty in Lithuania range from fines of €150 to €2,000, with possible criminal liability including community service, arrest, or up to one year in prison in severe cases. However, animal welfare organisations argue these penalties are insufficient. The Food and Veterinary Service supports reviewing and increasing the minimum fines.

Earlier this year, animal rights activists submitted a petition with nearly 70,000 signatures to the Seimas (parliament), proposing fines of at least €6,000 and prison sentences of up to two years for animal cruelty. The Seimas rejected the petition.

Acting Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė has suggested alternative penalties, such as requiring offenders to perform mandatory work at animal shelters. She acknowledged the need for discussion on the adequacy of penalties, comparing animal cruelty to other crimes such as violence against minors.

Opposition members, including Giedrė Balčytytė of the Seimas Legal Affairs Committee, argue that municipalities should take a more active role in animal welfare, particularly in rural areas where access to services like sterilisation or euthanasia is limited.

Last year, Lithuania saw 140 administrative cases and 21 pre-trial investigations related to animal cruelty.