A non-governmental animal protection organization is calling for three urgent measures after two children allegedly stabbed seven puppies while filming themselves

The Toto&Pufi Association is asking the Romanian Police, mayors’ offices, the Government and the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority (ANSVSA) to adopt three measures to prevent acts of animal cruelty and reduce domestic violence, following a case in which two children allegedly stabbed seven puppies while filming themselves and laughing.

The organization is calling for informational panels to be installed in every city and commune in Romania concerning the punishment for killing animals under Law 205/2004. The second request concerns the establishment of a public Register of Dangerous Persons by centralizing and correlating data already held by the authorities.

The third proposed measure is to encourage citizens to report cases of cruelty, and to amend the Criminal Code so that the obligation to intervene safely in situations of violence applies to all living beings.

The association says that violence against animals may precede or accompany domestic violence and accuses the authorities of failing to take action, provide information and implement prevention measures. The organization’s president, Alina Florescu, says the measures are urgent and have been requested for several years. Her emphasis is on public awareness, reporting and coordination between institutions.