Sexual activities with dogs were serious violations of the Aminal Welfare Act

A man had been convicted of sexual abuse of three dogs, see section 37 subsection 2 cf. section 14 subsection 1 (c) of the Animal Welfare Act. The dogs had been abused on at least 20 occasions over a period of seven years, but without being harmed. The Supreme Court concluded that the violations of the Animal Welfare Act were serious and thus punishable under section 37 subsection 2. Emphasis was placed on the fact that the acts constituted a clear breach of the ethical standards for the treatment of animals. The Supreme Court also mentioned the scope of the violations and their lack of a respectable purpose. The sentence was set at 75 days of imprisonment.

Read the whole judgment (Norwegian only)

Key paragraphs: 32−34

Areas of law: Criminal law. Section 37 subsection 2, cf. section 14 subsection 1 (c) of the Animal Welfare Act. 

Justices: Skoghøy, Webster, Kallerud, Bergsjø, Steinsvik