The sentences of two years and four months and two years of imprisonment are believed to be the longest prison sentences specifically imposed for animal cruelty in Bulgaria to date. The case follows an extensive investigation by the Bulgarian animal protection organization CAAI (КАЖИ) and subsequent action by law enforcement authorities.
On October 20, 2026, the District Court in Svishtov, a town in northern Bulgaria on the Danube River, sentenced Anita Vachkova and Detelin Avramov to prison for systematic acts of animal cruelty. The crimes were uncovered by CAAI, a Bulgarian animal protection NGO, following months of investigative work. The investigation began shortly after the organization exposed a similar case involving Gabriela and Krasimir from Pernik, a city near Bulgaria’s capital, Sofia.
The court imposed the following sentences:
- Anita Vachkova – two years of imprisonment to be served, and a fine of €1,100.
- Detelin Avramov – two years and four months of imprisonment to be served, and a fine of €1,100.
Both defendants were also ordered to pay €3,001.38 each in expert examination costs incurred during the proceedings. Including the fines, the total amount payable by the two defendants is €8,202.76.
Based on the cases publicly known to CAAI, the sentence of two years and four months is currently the longest custodial sentence imposed specifically for animal cruelty in Bulgaria. The ruling was issued by a court of first instance and is subject to appeal.
81 Separate Acts of Animal Cruelty
The court proceedings concerned 81 separate acts of animal cruelty committed between an unspecified date in 2014 and May 2024.
Importantly, the number of criminal acts does not represent the number of animals harmed.
In some instances, more than 20 animals were tortured and killed in a single incident. This means that the actual number of animal victims is substantially higher than the 81 documented acts.
The abuse was recorded on video, and the footage was distributed online in exchange for payment. Customers of the couple were international clients living abroad.
The scale, duration, and systematic nature of these crimes make this one of the most serious publicly documented cases of prolonged animal cruelty in Bulgaria.
CAAI’s Investigation and the Arrests
The case was uncovered following an extensive investigation by CAAI, launched after the organization exposed a similar case involving Gabriela and Krasimir from Pernik.
Over several months, CAAI’s investigative team gathered and analyzed information, followed leads, and documented evidence relating to the suspected criminal activities.
In February 2026, following a formal report submitted by CAAI and subsequent investigative actions by the competent authorities, Anita Vachkova and Detelin Avramov were arrested during a coordinated police operation.
The identification of the suspects and the subsequent criminal proceedings resulted from cooperation between the animal protection organization and Bulgarian law enforcement authorities.
The Court’s Decision
During the court proceedings, the prosecution requested the maximum applicable penalties, while the defense argued for the minimum sentences.
In determining the final sentences, the court applied provisions of Bulgarian criminal law requiring a one-third reduction of the initially determined prison terms under the applicable procedural conditions.
CAAI considers the imposition of prison sentences to be an important step forward in combating animal cruelty in Bulgaria. The case demonstrates that sustained investigative work, evidence gathering, and cooperation with public institutions can lead to the identification and prosecution of those responsible for serious crimes against animals.
At the same time, we believe that criminal penalties should adequately reflect the duration and systematic nature of the abuse, the number of animals harmed, and the extreme cruelty involved.
While Bulgarian law requires courts to consider mitigating circumstances, including the absence of previous criminal convictions and cooperation with investigators, cases involving prolonged, deliberate animal torture and killing for financial gain raise important questions about whether the penalties imposed provide a sufficient deterrent.
CAAI extends its gratitude to the investigating authorities for their cooperation and to everyone who supported the efforts to uncover these crimes and hold those responsible accountable.
The couple from Svishtov was sentenced under the previous provisions of Bulgaria’s Criminal Code, which allowed for a maximum prison sentence of four years for animal cruelty. Under the amended legislation penalties for the most serious cases of animal cruelty can now reach up to 12 years in prison, along with substantially higher fines.
The judgments were issued at first instance and may be appealed.
CAAI will continue its work to expose crimes against animals, pursue accountability for perpetrators, and advocate for the effective enforcement of animal protection legislation in Bulgaria.
Source: District Court of Svishtov, official announcement dated October 20, 2026.
BTA: Two Sentenced to Prison for Animal Cruelty, Pornographic Material Offences in Svishtov
