Three Criminal Cases Initiated for Cruelty Against Cats in Yerevan

Recently, reports have been received about incidents of cruelty against cats in various parts and streets of Yerevan. Specifically, a citizen reported observing a neutered cat in a playground adjacent to one of the buildings on Derennik Demirchyan Street. Another citizen submitted a similar report about seeing a neutered cat on Tumanyan Street.

Additionally, videos have been posted on social media showing a young man allegedly killing cats by suffocation and leaving them on the street. Separate media reports have also indicated the presence of dozens of dead cats with cut and punctured abdomens on various streets of the capital.

Given that the reports from citizens, as well as publications by mass media, contain characteristics of an apparent crime of cruelty against animals, the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia has initiated three criminal proceedings under Article 307, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code within the Yerevan investigative departments of the Arabkir administrative district, as well as the Kentron and Norq-Marash administrative districts. These cases are currently under preliminary investigation.

In one of the criminal cases, there is preliminary information regarding the identity of the individual responsible, who is a resident of Yerevan, born in 2000. To fully clarify the circumstances of the incidents, procedural and evidentiary actions are being undertaken. Instructions have been given to the investigative body to implement measures aimed at uncovering the cases.

The Investigative Committee will actively pursue the clarification of ongoing instances of cruelty against animals and hold accountable those responsible for the crimes. Citizens with information about similar incidents of cruelty against cats are encouraged to provide it to law enforcement authorities and cooperate actively to help identify the perpetrator or perpetrators.