Recent years’ VMVT statistical data show that the number of confiscated animals and their keepers has changed, but the increasingly relevant problem is not isolated cases of irresponsible keepers, but cases of animal hoarding and negligent care of farm animals.
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Scale and trends of confiscations
Comparing recent years’ statistics, it can be seen that in 2024, 133 pets and 15 farm animals were confiscated from 43 keepers, and in 2025, 64 pets and 5 farm animals were taken from 21 keepers, while in 2026, although the number of offenders further decreased to 15, the volume of confiscated animals sharply increased, reaching 135 pets and 26 farm animals.
This year, special attention is drawn to the farm animal sector and complex large-scale cases. Several confiscations took place this year from keepers who negligently cared for farm cattle. In one case, a new safe place had to be found for as many as 30 neglected cattle.
“When a large number of farm animals are taken, the main challenge is to find them suitable, safe care and ensure a smooth process. Animals need to be safely transported to a new location, treated, and provided with proper care. Such situations once again prove how important public vigilance and the involvement of local institutions, such as municipalities, are. If VMVT had been informed about observed critical animal keeping conditions early on or before the herd of neglected animals became so large, the situation could have been managed more smoothly and quickly,” said Kristina Ulienė, Head of the VMVT Animal Welfare Department.
According to the Animal Welfare and Protection Law (Article 3, Paragraph 10, Point 1 and Article 4, Paragraph 5), municipalities are required to ensure temporary animal removal and care even before the institution’s decision or court ruling.
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Therefore, it is very important that municipalities have a clear mechanism and agreements with farms or temporary caregivers and keepers in advance. Pre-planned transport, care locations, and responsible persons would help avoid chaos in critical cases, quickly transfer animals to a safe place, and significantly reduce risks.
Public contribution and prevention
VMVT receives on average about 300 reports per quarter regarding animal welfare and possible cruel treatment. This flow remains stable, and about one-third – approximately 30 percent – of the received reports are confirmed, most of which are uncomplicated but harmful neglect cases.
For established violations, individuals are subject to administrative liability under Article 346 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Republic of Lithuania (ANK), which provides fines and measures such as animal confiscation or prohibition to keep them. For example, in 2024–2025, over 22 thousand euros in fines were imposed under Part 16 of Article 346 of the ANK alone, and sanctions were also applied under Parts 17 and 18.
Ultimately, this VMVT statistics sends a very clear message: successful animal protection is a shared concern of all of us. Although laws are being improved and fairer legal solutions sought, the strongest driver of change remains public vigilance and concern. Every timely noticed and reported case helps prevent disasters and protect vulnerable animals. VMVT advocates for targeted tightening of penalties aimed at repeat and systemic violations, emphasizing that continuous improvement of legal regulation and close cooperation of all responsible institutions are the main keys to successful animal protection.
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