Four suspects are to be charged over the shooting of three dogs in Bauska Municipality, and on 30 December this year the case was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for the initiation of criminal prosecution, the Valsts policija reports.
On 10 October this year, the State Police received information about three dogs that had been shot in Brunava Parish, Bauska Municipality. The police were informed after the incident had taken place and, in connection with this, initiated criminal proceedings classified under Section 230, Paragraph Two of the Criminal Law — cruelty to animals resulting in death.
During the active investigation into the incident, expert examinations were ordered, including to determine the causes of death of the animals. Investigators also worked with the persons involved and carried out a range of operational and other investigative actions to clarify all the circumstances of the case, the police said.
The State Police have now received the expert examination results, all causes of death have been established, and the investigation has yielded a sufficient body of evidence. As a result, on 30 December the case was sent to the prosecutor’s office to initiate criminal prosecution against four suspects — three of whom were officials of the Bauska Municipal Police at the time, and one a private individual.
One of the persons involved is charged under Section 230, Paragraph Two of the Criminal Law — cruelty to animals resulting in death. This offence is punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, short-term imprisonment, or probationary supervision, with deprivation of the right to keep certain or all species of animals for up to five years.
Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against two individuals under Section 319, Paragraph One of the Criminal Law for failure by a public official to perform official duties — that is, when a public official intentionally or negligently fails to carry out actions required by law or assigned tasks, resulting in substantial harm. In this case, both individuals allowed the situation to occur by failing in their official duty to prevent the commission of a criminal offence. This offence is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, short-term imprisonment, probationary supervision, community service, or a fine.
In addition, one more person is charged under Section 317, Paragraph One of the Criminal Law — intentional actions by a public official that clearly exceed the limits of the rights and authority granted by law or assigned duties, if such actions cause substantial harm. The person issued a verbal order that led to the commission of the criminal offence. This offence is punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, short-term imprisonment, probationary supervision, community service, or a fine.
As previously reported, on 10 October the State Police received information that three dogs had been shot on the grounds of a private property in Brunava Parish, Bauska Municipality. Initially, a patrol from the Bauska Municipal Police, as well as a hunter, had been dispatched to the scene. The State Police were informed after the incident and subsequently initiated criminal proceedings for cruelty to animals resulting in death.
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