In Volyn, a man was fined for mistreating a monkey
The Shatsk District Court in Volyn Oblast found a man guilty of offering tourists the chance to take photos with a monkey near the beach on Lake Svityaz in exchange for money. The court found him guilty of animal cruelty and fined him 3,400 hryvnias.
According to court documents, in June, the man offered vacationers the opportunity to take paid photos with the monkey.
Law enforcement officials determined that the animal was kept in conditions that did not meet its biological needs. In addition, the monkey was constantly exposed to strangers.
The basis for the case included a police report and protocol, written statements from witnesses, and a complaint filed with the police by a citizen.
The man himself did not appear at the court hearing and did not provide any reason for his absence. Therefore, the court heard the case without his participation.
The court found the man guilty under Part 1 of Article 89 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses—cruel treatment of animals.
In addition to a fine of 3,400 UAH, he must pay 665.60 UAH in court fees.
However, the court did not order the confiscation of the animal.
Law enforcement officials did not provide sufficient evidence that the monkey’s presence with its owner posed a threat to its life or health.
Thus, the court limited its ruling to the fine and court fees, without ordering the seizure of the animal.
Previously, researchers at Tel Hai University in Kiryat Shmona in the Galilee, together with colleagues, developed an artificial intelligence model capable of recognizing pain in animals based on changes in their facial expressions.
