In the Mykolaiv region, children threw a cat into a well: a criminal case has been opened

In Bashtanskyi Raion of Mykolaiv Oblast, law enforcement officers have opened a criminal proceeding for animal cruelty after a video was found in a school chat on one of the messaging apps showing children throwing a cat into a well.

This was reported on June 11, 2026, by the Bashtanskyi District Police Department.

Information about the incident was received by the police on the evening of June 10 from a resident of the Pryvilnenska community.

During initial investigative actions, law enforcement established that four children aged 11 and 12 may be involved in the incident.

Investigators seized a video recording that captured the circumstances of the incident. It will be added to the materials of the criminal proceeding and sent for expert examination.

Police also examined the well where, as shown in the video, the animal was thrown. However, the cat’s body was not found there.

A criminal proceeding has been opened under Part 1 of Article 299 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – “Cruelty to animals”. The article’s sanction provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to three years.

At the same time, since those involved are minors and have not reached the age of criminal responsibility for such a crime, the issue of the liability of their parents or legal guardians will be decided in accordance with applicable law.

In addition, educational measures may be applied to the children.

Investigative actions are ongoing; law enforcement are establishing all the circumstances of the incident.

Earlier we wrote:

• Resident of Mykolaiv region brutally beat a dog: police opened a criminal investigation
• In Mykolaiv region, a man threw puppies into a dumpster: police took up the case
• Police are investigating the death of a dog after a brutal beating in Mykolaiv
• In Pervomaisk, a man is suspected of cruelty to a domestic animal
• Beaten and left to die: a case was opened in Mykolaiv region over animal abuse