Alexander Lukashenko proposes criminal liability for livestock deaths

“The livestock mortality rate has reached a historic high!” declared the head of state, demanding that the Chairman of the State Control Committee and the Prosecutor General present a report on holding those responsible accountable: “How many have been imprisoned for this?”

According to the president, district veterinarians “instead of providing treatment and prevention,” make arrangements with farms to conceal livestock deaths — a practice he described as “horrifying” and “unacceptable.”

As of April 1, 2025, according to data from Belstat, the number of cattle in agricultural organizations decreased by 2.4% compared to the same date last year, amounting to 4 million head, including 1.4 million cows (unchanged). The pig population dropped by 13% to 2 million head.

The initiative to tighten criminal penalties is expected to be brought up for consideration in the near future.