Alarm: Unknown Individual Hunting Animals in Central Yerevan

An unknown individual has been regularly shooting and killing stray animals in the center of Yerevan, specifically in the vicinity of Vardanants 24 building. This was reported by resident and animal lover Ruben Sanoian, who has discovered multiple animals with gunshot wounds near the same address and has taken them to veterinary clinics.

Sanoian has contacted the Armenian police three times, filing reports about the incidents, yet all the criminal cases have been closed without results, and the perpetrator has not been identified. "The first dog was shot two years ago; it had been shot in the corner, and it could barely walk on its two hind legs. I took it to the clinic. Later, I found a cat that had also lost sensation in its hind limbs. The third dog was shot around 2-3 am... it was howling, so I went down and took it to the clinic, but it was already too late to save it, as well as the cat," he recounted in an interview with EcoNews.am, an environmental information website.

One of the incidents occurred recently in September 2021. Sanoian discovered an injured animal in the building's yard and took it to a veterinary clinic, where it was confirmed that the dog had been shot. A report signed by veterinarian Vahe Mkrtchyan stated: "As a result of the surgical intervention, an irreversible violation of the integrity of the spinal column was confirmed due to a metal bullet." EcoNews.am has also documented that two other animals injured by gunfire have been found in the same area, which has also been reported in published articles.

Sanoian emphasized, "The first dog was shot during the daytime near two children who were about 12 years old, just a few meters away." It is highly likely that someone shot from a window in the Vardanants 24 building while there were also people in the vicinity, including children. The second incident was recorded in March 2021 when Sanoian found a cat shot in the spine. At the veterinary clinic, it was determined that the cat had not just been shot but had already lost sensation in its hind limbs and had lived like that for some time; unfortunately, it could not be saved either.

Regarding all three incidents, Ruben Sanoian has approached the Armenian police, and criminal cases were initiated, but they have yielded no results.

Recently, Mr. Sanoian even discovered a shot bird in the area.

The website alerts about the persistent cruel treatment of animals in the center of Yerevan, likely perpetrated by the same individual and possibly a resident of the specified address or neighboring areas. The use of firearms in public places, especially in residential building areas, poses a danger to human society and is prohibited by Armenian legal norms. Therefore, it is quite surprising that the Armenian police have failed three times to identify the perpetrator. It appears that there is a situation where cruel treatment of animals could lead to tragic consequences for humans, for which the Armenian law enforcement agencies will also share responsibility, as no proper investigation has been conducted.

It should be emphasized that the Armenian Criminal Code provides for criminal liability for cruel treatment of animals. Article 258.2 provides for penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment for harming animals. This publication serves as an alarm about a threatening danger to the public, thus demanding urgent actions from the Armenian police, other law enforcement agencies, and the Yerevan municipality.

Note: The suspect in the alleged crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in accordance with the procedures established by the Armenian Criminal Procedure Code, by a court decision that has entered into force.