The Government of Russia has established new accounting standards and a formal list of animal species that must be individually or collectively marked and registered. A decision from the Council of Ministers on this matter has been published on the portal providing legal information, signaling a clear shift toward standardized animal tracking across sectors. These rules create a structured framework for how animals are identified and monitored, with implications for veterinary practice, agricultural administration, and animal welfare oversight in the country.
The new regime is set to come into force on March 1, 2024, and it remains in effect through March 1, 2030. The list of species subject to marking covers twelve categories, spanning both common farm animals and wildlife-related livestock. Included are service animals, cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and goats, as well as deer, camels, bees, poultry, fur-bearing animals, rabbits, and fish of aquatic origin. This comprehensive roster reflects an effort to unify record-keeping across diverse industries and to facilitate traceability from farm to consumer, while allowing for ongoing evaluation of each category as needed.
Under the rules, veterinarians are responsible for carrying out the animal registration at no cost to owners or institutions. The decision specifies that once a unique identification number is assigned, it remains valid for the lifetime of the animal, and re-registration of an individually marked animal is not permitted. This approach is designed to prevent duplication and to maintain a stable, long-term history for each animal that can be consulted by regulators, veterinarians, and animal owners alike. The lifetime validity of the identifier also supports accurate record linkage across veterinary clinics, farms, and regulatory databases, thereby reducing administrative friction during movements, sales, or health audits.
There is an important carve-out to the accounting framework: service animals that belong to various federal executive bodies are exempt from the standard registration requirements. This exception recognizes the unique roles and operational needs of these service animals within national agencies, while preserving the overall objective of robust animal identification for other species and contexts.
In parallel with these regulatory steps, the Council previously advised the presidential administration about animal safety in public spaces. Initiatives under the President of the Russian Federation, implemented through the office responsible for civil society and human rights, have yielded recommendations aimed at preventing dog attacks on people. These measures underscore a broader government focus on balancing animal welfare, public safety, and responsible pet ownership, while ensuring that any interventions are proportionate and evidence-based. The ongoing dialogue between regulatory authorities and civil society groups is a feature of how these policies are being shaped and refined as conditions evolve across Russia.