Latvia criminalises sexual acts with animals

Latvia’s parliament has made sexual acts with animals a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment, LSM reported. The Saeima adopted amendments to the Criminal Law in their final reading on Thursday, October 29.

The changes are intended to protect animal welfare. Previously, sexual abuse of an animal could be treated as cruelty or torture, but criminal liability applied only if the animal was mutilated or died. The law did not specifically criminalise sexual acts involving physical contact with an animal.

Under the new rules, such acts will be punishable regardless of whether they cause harmful consequences. Penalties can include imprisonment for up to four years, short-term deprivation of liberty, probation supervision, community service or a fine. A court may also ban an offender from keeping some or all species of animals for up to five years.

If the offence is committed by a group, the maximum prison term will be five years. If it takes place in a public place or in the presence of a minor, the maximum will be six years.