Three charged over dogfighting and animal cruelty in Cherkezi
Kumanovo police filed criminal charges against three men after a dogfight held on March 23, 2026, in a former hospitality venue in the village of Cherkezi.
Three men have been criminally charged after police say they organised a dogfight in a former hospitality venue in the village of Cherkezi on 23 March 2026.
Authorities say the suspects include a 41-year-old resident of Cherkezi, a 35-year-old from Kamenjane and a 28-year-old from Celopek. The Kumanovo Police Department filed charges accusing the three of killing and mistreating animals.
"The Kumanovo Regional Police Department filed a criminal charge against S.R.(35) from Kamenjane, Municipality of Bogovinje, A.M.(28) from Celopek, Municipality of Brvenica and S.A.(41) from Cherkezi, Kumanovo area, on grounds of suspicion of committing the criminal offence 'killing and mistreating animals'.
On 23.03.2026, in a premises of a former hospitality facility in the village of Cherkezi, the accused organised and enabled a dog fight," the Ministry of Interior reported.
Investigation and next steps
Police said the charges were submitted by the Kumanovo unit; investigators will continue to collect evidence and determine the full circumstances of the event. No further procedural details were released immediately.
The case will proceed through the criminal justice system; if proven, the accused face penalties foreseen for crimes against animals under North Macedonian law.
Photo: Stefanchekrk / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
