Veterinarians Call for Criminal Liability for Bestiality in Latvia

The Latvian Association of Veterinarians has called on legislators to amend the country's laws to explicitly criminalize sexual acts with animals. The organization highlights that current legislation contains a loophole that prevents effective prosecution of such offenses.

According to the association, sexual acts with animals not only violate ethical standards but also cause significant physical and psychological harm to animals. Under current Latvian law, such acts may result in administrative penalties, but these are considered insufficient to deter offenders.

The veterinarians are urging the Saeima to urgently amend the Criminal Law to include a specific article criminalizing bestiality. This would align Latvia's legal framework with practices in other European Union member states and international animal welfare standards.

The association emphasizes that this step would be a major advancement in animal protection and would help prevent cruelty towards animals. They hope that lawmakers will heed the call and begin drafting the necessary amendments soon.