Moroccan Lawyer to Sue Woman Who Incited Dog to Kill Kitten in Viral Video

In a statement to SNRTnews, Youssef Rharib said he has decided to file a complaint and take legal action against the young woman who posted a video showing her inciting her dog to kill the kitten in Fez. This decision follows the numerous calls from Moroccan internet users to prosecute this woman. But restoring justice in such a case means remedying a "legal handicap," notes the lawyer. "Apart from a few articles, which in fact protect the interests of human "owners", there are really no laws or punishments adapted to the seriousness of the crimes committed every day against helpless beings," he argues.

Relying on this legal void, Youssef Rharib is banking on an in-depth study. The idea is to identify the circumstances of the incident, find the best way to approach the case, and develop a legal framework for the case. "The file consists of two parts," he explains. "We find in the Penal Code articles 601 to 603. They provide for a maximum fine of 1,200 DH," he specifies. According to the lawyer, the provisions of these articles remain limited, however, as they protect the interests of human owners, and do not make the animal the subject that is truly protected.

Youssef Rharib intends to base his argument on the International Declaration of Animal Rights. Article 3 of this text stipulates in its third article that "no animal shall be subjected to ill-treatment or cruel acts" and that "the dead animal must be treated with decency," as well as on other legal aspects.