Citizens took to the streets today to protest against animal abuse. Protests are taking place in Varna, Kardzhali and other Bulgarian cities. Similar protests have already been held in recent days in Sofia, Pernik, Shumen, Gotse Delchev and several other cities across the country. The civil discontent has been triggered by the actions of 26-year-old Gabriela Sashova and 35-year-old Krasimir Georgiev, who filmed horrifying videos of animal abuse and murder of animals for money.

More than 160 civil organizations have demanded, in an open letter to the institutions, immediate and concrete actions against violence towards animals. The initiative comes from the association KAAI (Campaigns and Activism for Animals in the Industry) – the organization that reported the serial killings.

The organizations emphasize that animal cruelty is not an isolated problem and that numerous scientific studies have proven a direct link between cruelty to animals and violence against humans. They are calling for real progress in Parliament on bills related to the protection and humane treatment of animals.

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

• Citizens of Pernik hold protest calling for maximum sentences for animal abusers