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 | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |