Georgia is set to launch a new state program to tackle the country’s growing stray dog population, parliamentary majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze announced following a recent majority meeting.
Mdinaradze stated that the number of stray dogs in Georgia is estimated to be between 300,000 and 350,000. “We are initiating a nationwide effort to house these animals in proper facilities and carry out procedures to prevent their reproduction,” he said.
The program will also introduce an electronic tracking system and new legislation aimed at better regulating dog ownership. “This will allow us to trace pet ownership more effectively,” Mdinaradze noted.
He explained that the situation deteriorated during the pandemic, when many people abandoned their pets in various locations.
As part of the initiative, pet owners will be required to microchip their animals, ensuring they can be identified and traced. Harsh administrative fines will be imposed for abandoning dogs.
“Our goal is to make it legally and practically impossible for someone to simply leave an animal outside,” Mdinaradze said. “For instance, abandoning a dog will carry a significant administrative penalty.”
He emphasized that the effort would be a long-term one. “This won’t be resolved in a day or a month—it’s a process that will take years, but we’re launching intensive work on it now.”
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