A digital system for recording stray animals, tracking them, and collecting information could offer one way to address the appearance of stray animals in regions across Russia. This approach has been developed by the Russian ecological movement, described by Elmurod Rasulmukhamedov, the movement’s executive director, in an interview reported by Public News Service. The focus is on empowering communities to help manage stray animals through clear reporting and streamlined care pathways.
According to Rasulmukhamedov, anyone who encounters an unowned animal can photograph it and submit details, for instance through a Telegram bot. The process is straightforward: verify whether the animal has an owner by checking nearby homes and any pets that might have strayed, then route confirmed cases to the responsible authorities. If the owner cannot be located locally, the information is handed to the relevant body to ensure the animal’s safety and protect people who may come into contact with it. The animal would then be captured, observed, and treated as needed before any further action is taken.
Rasulmukhamedov noted that the system includes artificial intelligence capable of recognizing an animal from a photo. This feature helps match sightings to potential owners and existing pet records, reducing duplication and speeding up responses. The technology is designed to support humane treatment while prioritizing public safety.
A second potential solution discussed involves adopting a model where stray dogs are returned to the sector or area where they originated. This approach focuses on balancing public safety with animal welfare and resource allocation. If implemented, it could support the long-term placement of dogs that are large or unusually aggressive, ensuring they receive proper care, food, and housing while remaining useful to the community in protected roles such as guarding property or assisting with security tasks where appropriate.
In parallel, legislative developments have progressed. On July 13, the State Duma accepted a bill amending the law on homeless animals. The proposal, advancing through the second and third readings, includes a prohibition on self-walking pets for cats and dogs. This measure aims to establish clearer accountability and safer management of pet ownership and roaming. Earlier discussions at a human rights council suggested introducing conditions that would determine how a person can acquire a dog, with emphasis on responsible ownership and welfare considerations. The evolving policy landscape reflects different communities’ efforts to reduce stray animal issues while supporting animal welfare and public safety across regions.