The Milli Majlis has approved increased fines for animal cruelty in the final reading.

Report informs that the proposed amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses were discussed at today's plenary session of parliament.

According to the proposed amendment, cruel treatment of animals, including causing pain, suffering, torture, beating, or fighting them, will be fined from 500 manats ($294) to 800 manats ($470.46).

When these acts are committed demonstratively, including through media display, they will be fined from 800 manats ($470) to 1,000 manats ($588).

If these actions result in animal disability, the fine will be from 1,000 manats ($588) to 1,500 manats ($882). If the same actions result in animal death, the fine will be from 1,500 manats ($882) to 2,000 manats ($1,176), or depending on the circumstances and considering the offender's identity, administrative arrest for up to one month may be applied.

Another proposed amendment to the Code states that promoting animal cruelty or making public calls for animal cruelty, and using materials depicting such treatment for commercial purposes will be fined from 1,000 manats ($588) to 1,500 manats ($882), or depending on the circumstances and considering the offender's identity, administrative arrest for up to one month may be applied.

The draft amendment was put to vote and approved in the third reading.