In New Moscow, a Muscovite with several men forcefully breached the doors of a local shelter to retrieve a stray dog that a woman had been feeding on the street, according to a Telegram channel report shared on Shot. The incident drew swift attention from local authorities and animal welfare groups following the unusual scene inside the shelter.
The report identifies Irina Tikhovskaya as the owner of Nobles Animal Shelter. It describes how she was directed to round up stray dogs in the settlement of Mikhailovo-Yartsevskoye with the stated plan that the animals would be castrated and vaccinated before any further action. After carrying out the mandated duties, the operation left a lasting impression on those involved and on onlookers who followed the evolving story.
At a later point, a 43-year-old Moscow resident went to the shelter with a claim that one of the dogs he had been keeping on the street belonged to him. The shelter owner agreed to release the dog after it had been vaccinated and neutered, in line with the stated procedure. The man reportedly pressed for immediate possession, and a dispute ensued between him and Tikhovskaya. According to the shelter owner, the confrontation escalated when a hand grenade was produced, prompting her to seek assistance from others and leave the scene for help.
Hours afterward, the Muscovite returned accompanied by several men. CCTV footage captured the group forcefully breaking through the perimeter fence, entering the shelter, and taking the dog. The moment added a dramatic twist to a sequence that had already drawn public curiosity and concern for the welfare of stray animals in the area.
Irina Tikhovskaya later reported the incident to the police, stating that what appeared to be a hand grenade was, in fact, an air pistol, according to her account. She emphasized that she would continue to pursue the issue through the proper legal channels as authorities work to determine the full circumstances and causes behind the breach and the alleged threats. The police have pledged to review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and verify the events that led to the altercation and the dog’s removal from the shelter.
News outlets and animal welfare observers have underscored the broader concerns this episode raises about handling stray animals, the responsibilities of shelters, and the safety of staff and volunteers in high-tension situations. While the exact legal outcome remains to be determined, the incident has sparked discussions about clearer protocols for dog seizures, owner disputes, and the balance between enforcing local ordinances and protecting animal welfare in communities like New Moscow. The situation continues to evolve as authorities collect statements and corroborating evidence from multiple sources, including on-site examinations and public record checks. This event marks a notable moment for the local shelter system and the people who rely on it for humane treatment and responsible rehoming of stray dogs.