Two men have been held accountable for acts of animal cruelty in the Bostanlyk District of the Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan. Videos circulated on social media show the men, born in 1993 and 1996, kicking cats and shooting at them with a pneumatic weapon. The incident occurred in December 2025 at a hotel in the "Yangiqo‘rgon" neighborhood of the district.

The footage depicts one man striking a cat indoors until it becomes motionless, after which he carries it out of the room. Another man is seen firing multiple shots at animals, and a cat's body is shown hanging from a rope. These actions sparked widespread public outrage and prompted a swift response from law enforcement agencies.

According to the Main Department of Internal Affairs of the Tashkent Region, the perpetrators of the December 27, 2025, incident were identified. Administrative cases were initiated against them under Articles 111 (cruelty to animals) and 220-1 (illegal handling of weapons) of the Code of Administrative Responsibility, with materials forwarded to court.

In a court decision dated March 26, 2026, the 33-year-old M.Sh. was sentenced to 15 days of administrative arrest, while the 30-year-old A.A. received a 10-day administrative arrest. Authorities emphasized that cruelty to animals carries legal penalties, and repeat offenses could lead to criminal liability.

Previously, it was reported that 34 individuals were held accountable for animal cruelty in the first half of 2025. This case highlights ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the enforcement of laws against such abuses in the region.

Source: kun.uz