Armenian parliament approves law criminalizing animal abuseOctober 23, 2019 - 10:57 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Assembly on Wednesday, October 23 approved a draft law criminalizing animal abuse, with 99 votes in favor, 4 against and no abstentions. The draft was submitted by Naira Zohrabyan, a lawmaker from the Prosperous Armenia party. The bill envisages a fine of AMD 100,000 - 200,000 or a prison term of up to 12 months for the maltreatment of pets and homeless animals. Mutilation, dismemberment, poisoning, testing, amputation, skinning, throwing animals down from high places, organizing and conducting blood sport activities involving animals are now banned by law. Activities committed by a group of persons with prior consent and particular cruelty are punishable by a fine of AMD 300,000 - 500,000 or a prison term of 1-3 years. Top stories The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. The situation on the contact line between Karabakh and Azerbaijan was relatively stable overnight, the Defense Army says. Defense Minister Suren Papikyan has visited the southern Armenian province of Syunik, the Defense Ministry reported on March 18. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |