A protest was held in the city of Pernik against animal abuse and for maximum sentences for two residents of the city, Gabriela Sashova and Krasimir Georgiev, who killed animals in a particularly cruel way. They filmed their actions on videos that they sold to clients outside Bulgaria. Activists have been collecting evidence of the crimes for months with the help of the informal organization BG ELVES, which deals with cybercrimes. The collected materials have been handed over to the investigating authorities. The protesters are demanding increased control and investigation of reports of animal abuse, legislative changes and stricter effective punishments for all such cases.

Similar protests have already taken place in Sofia and other cities in the country.

• Protesters in Sofia and Burgas call for maximum penalties for animal abusers

The prosecutor's office in Pernik, where the case is being heard, said that if the charges are proven, the two detainees could receive up to 8 years in prison.

Minister of Justice Georgi Georgiev proposed introducing new, harsher penalties for extreme cruelty to animals.