Key Provisions of the New Law:

• Harsher penalties for animal cruelty committed in animal shelters or rescue centres—especially if more than 10 animals are affected.

• Stricter regulations on illegal animal trading, including the separation and transport of puppies before the legal age.

• Begging with live animals is now classified as a misdemeanor, in response to cases where animals were abused for emotional manipulation—left tied up in extreme weather without food or water.

• Raffling live animals as prizes is now prohibited.

• Faster intervention in abuse cases: authorities can now more quickly remove animals from harmful situations and place them in safe environments.

• Mandatory animal welfare training: If an owner fails to complete court-ordered training, they may be banned from keeping animals until they comply.

• Ban on animal ownership may be imposed alongside fines if welfare obligations are ignored.

In his statement, Péter Ovádi noted that shelter operators and caregivers have a special duty of care and are trusted by society—hence the need for tougher consequences when they violate animal welfare laws.

The new law also emphasizes the importance of animal welfare education. Detailed rules on training and awareness programmes will be outlined in an upcoming government decree.

The legislation will take effect 61 days after its publication.

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