The Altai Republic has enacted a law permitting the euthanasia of stray animals, a move reported by the regional outlet Altay Truth. The new measure grants local authorities the authority to euthanize stray animals if they exhibit aggressive behavior or pose a threat to public safety. The document is expected to take effect ten days after it is officially published, marking a significant shift in how communities respond to stray animal concerns in the region.
The bill advanced through the legislative process and secured strong support during its second reading, with thirty lawmakers voting in favor out of thirty-six possible votes. Two representatives opposed the measure, three chose to abstain, and one member did not participate in the vote. These outcomes reflect a divided but ultimately decisive stance among regional legislators on how to balance public safety with animal welfare concerns.
Proponents of the legislation argue that the preamble emphasizes safeguarding residents in a region where stray dogs have affected the lives of more than two thousand people since 2020. They contend that a clear, enforceable policy is necessary to reduce incidents and protect communities, particularly in areas with high dog populations and frequent interactions between residents and animals.
Before this bill, the cabinet had supported a proposal granting counties the right to euthanize stray dogs, a development that sparked protests from animal rights activists who took to the streets to voice their concerns about animal welfare and the potential for cruelty in implementation. The public demonstrations underscored a tension between public safety priorities and the ethical considerations surrounding the treatment of stray animals.
In another statements related to the broader policy discussion, a representative connected to the federal leadership suggested that dogs not reclaimed from shelters after capture could be euthanized, highlighting ongoing debates about responsibility for stray animal populations and the most humane and effective ways to manage them. This position reflects a wider national conversation about animal control, shelter capacities, and the responsibilities of local governments in protecting both people and animals.
Incidents involving stray animals have been a point of concern in the region, including cases where vulnerable individuals have been affected by encounters with stray dogs. The new law aims to create a formal framework for action, providing authorities with clear guidelines to address dangerous situations while attempting to minimize harm to animals. Stakeholders on all sides continue to discuss how best to implement the policy in a way that safeguards communities without undermining animal welfare commitments.