Be careful, because there are a number of laws here that are not always obvious!
It is considered cruelty and is prohibited:
⁃ Using choke and electric collars.
⁃ Docking tails and ears.
⁃ Leaving a dog unattended.
⁃ Keeping a dog on a leash at all times.
⁃ Selling animals to persons under 18 without parental consent.
The Law "On Veterinary and Medical Activity" includes 24 points describing unacceptable actions towards animals.
If a dog lives in an apartment building, it needs its own living space: ⁃ Small breeds up to 10 kg - at least 6 sq. m. ⁃ Medium breeds up to 25 kg - at least 8 sq. m. ⁃ Large breeds over 25 kg - at least 10 sq. m.
A dog over 6 weeks old must be registered with a veterinarian, who will perform all the required veterinary and administrative procedures, including entering the data into the national database????.
Dog registration is mandatory! Within 7 days after a change of address, owner or death of the animal, the owner must notify the local food safety directorate.
For cruelty to an animal (if it is not classified as a criminal offense) a fine of 500 to 1000 leva is provided. For a repeated violation - from 1000 to 2000 leva????.
In Bulgaria, an annual fee is established for keeping a dog, but it is not charged in some cases. Exemption from payment is granted to dogs belonging to disabled people, service animals, as well as those with a microchip installed in the first year after registration and all neutered animals.
Each municipality in Bulgaria independently determines the amount of the annual fee for a dog and additional rules. For example, in Burgas: ⁃ The fee is 40 leva and must be paid before March 31 or within a month after purchasing the dog if it was purchased after this date.