Dog killed in Preiļi region; suspect's case sent to prosecutor's office
State Police have concluded an investigation into animal cruelty that resulted in the death of a dog in Preiļi region. The case has been forwarded to the prosecutor's office for criminal prosecution.
The State Police's Latgale Regional Administration has completed an investigation into a criminal case concerning cruel treatment of an animal that led to a dog's death in the Preiļi region.
The incident occurred on the evening of June 26, 2025, when a resident reported a pool of blood in the stairwell of a house in Galēni Parish. Arriving at the scene, officers determined that a man born in 1964 had struck the dog on the head with an object and kicked it multiple times, causing the animal's death. He then took the dog's body to an abandoned house and left it there. The suspect was under the influence of alcohol at the time.
A criminal case was opened under Section 230, Part 2 of the Criminal Law, which criminalizes cruel treatment of animals resulting in death. The penalty may include imprisonment for up to five years, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, and a ban on keeping animals for up to five years.
On July 6, 2026, the investigation was completed and the case was sent to the prosecutor's office for a decision on initiating criminal prosecution. The State Police reminds that no person is considered guilty until proven guilty in accordance with the law.
