Bulgarian authorities investigate animal cruelty by minors in Levski

Authorities in Bulgaria have launched an investigation following the circulation of social media footage showing two minors, aged 8 and 12, abusing a dog in the village of Levski, Pazardzhik region. The video depicts the children tying the animal to a car tire, beating, dragging, and choking it.

Local officials, including the Mayor of Panagyurishte, Zhelyazko Gagov, and the Mayor of Levski, have met with the children's parents. While the dog was found in good condition, specialists and educators will work with the minors to address the behavior. Because the children are underage, they do not face criminal liability, but institutions are investigating their home environments to determine if they have been exposed to violence themselves.

Local residents have expressed concern, claiming this is not an isolated incident and alleging the children have previously shown cruelty toward other animals, including turtles.