This charge was brought against our clients who were transporting a large quantity of cattle in a livestock truck. According to the police, their vehicle did not meet safety standards, and the animals were transported in unsafe conditions, as well as in a manner that prevented access to them during inspections.
The police arrested our clients and seized their vehicle and animals. However, after our intervention, they managed to avoid pretrial detention, and the clients were released on bail. This is a huge success for attorney trainee Filip Jurczak.
In addition to prison time, this offense may also result in a ban on owning any animals or a specific category of animals. The court is also required to impose a fine of up to 100,000 złoty for a designated purpose related to animal protection.
The number of custodial sentences for animal cruelty increases every year. These checks are routine and increasingly frequent. In the last two months, three of our clients have been arrested on the same charge.
This situation should serve as a warning to every farmer involved in animal transport, among other activities. It demonstrates the serious consequences that can result from failing to meet animal transport obligations. Failure to meet these obligations can result in criminal liability, substantial financial penalties, and, above all, a punitive measure involving a ban on all business activities involving the use of animals.
The requirements for the transport of live animals are clearly outlined in Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations. We encourage you to review and implement these requirements, and even consult with lawyers who can help you conduct an appropriate audit and adapt your procedures to the relevant regulations.
To meet your expectations and needs, we are providing a free study by attorney-at-law Paweł Kopytowski on the obligations of carriers regarding animal transport. We hope this document will help you create appropriate transport conditions. Please note that this document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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