According to Actu.frFrench rapper Timal has been ordered to pay compensation to animal protection associations following his conviction for cruelty and serious abuse of a domestic animal. A hearing was held at the end of February at the court of Meaux to determine the civil interests, and the verdict was delivered on March 21, 2023.
Timal will have to compensate the six associations that were civil parties, with a total of 12 000 € to be paid. Each association will receive 2,000 €, half of which will be for moral prejudice and the other half to cover legal fees.
The associations welcome this decision, as the fines are often reduced to a symbolic one euro. However, it is not guaranteed that the associations will actually receive these sums, as many of the people convicted declare themselves over-indebted or insolvent. The delays before receiving the compensation can therefore be long.
The associations believe that the fine is proportional to the seriousness of the facts and underline the importance of severely punishing influencers who seek to make the buzz by mistreating animals. They hope that this judgment will mark a change in awareness and sanctions for such acts.
Arya and Vatos' two dogs, victims of abuse, are currently under the protection of an association. Arya is doing well and living in a foster home, while Vatos, with serious behavioral problems, has been placed in a boarding school.
