Stray animal euthanasia allowed in Russian region

In Khabarovsk Territory, mandatory pet registration introduced and euthanasia of stray animals permitted

The authorities of Khabarovsk Territory have made a controversial decision affecting both pet owners and stray animals. Now, mandatory registration of pets is in effect in the region, and euthanasia of stray animals is permitted under certain circumstances.

According to the new rules, euthanasia of homeless animals is allowed in several cases: if a new owner cannot be found for the animal, if the animal has caused serious harm to human health, and also upon discovery of a pack of four or more animals that pose a potential danger to others.

It's worth noting that the legislative assembly of Khabarovsk Territory had previously attempted to introduce similar amendments in September. At that time, it was proposed to allow euthanasia of captured stray animals 12 days after capture if no one was willing to take them home. However, the initiative faced resistance from the regional prosecutor's office, and the regional court ruled that this provision contradicted current legislation.

At the federal level, there is also active discussion about the problem of stray animals. In May of this year, State Duma deputies announced the development of a bill to create a system for responding to citizens' complaints about attacks by stray dogs. At the same time, an initiative is being considered that would allow regions to euthanize stray animals after the maximum period of their stay in shelters expires. However, there is still no consensus on this issue across Russia's regions.