Bulgarian Parliament passed animal protection laws, making it illegal to abandon, inflict continued or repeated suffering or lasting harm or stress on animals. The laws passed second reading, but voting would continue on January 18, Dnevnik daily said.

Using animals in film shoots and causing pain or harm was considered cruelty and has been banned.

Acts of extreme cruelty, including intentional and purposelessly killing animals, were also banned, as well as inflicting severe and lasting harm on animals, organising animal fights and shooting domesticated or stray animals, Dnevnik daily said.

Selling animals to persons under 18 years-of-age without their parents' consent would not be allowed.

Owners would have to provide space in the breeding premises in accordance with the animals' physiological and behavioural requirements.

Animals that were bred outdoors would have to be provided with freedom to move, daily walks and protection from bad weather.