National Food Agency reported that more than 9,100 stray and semi-owned dogs and cats have been captured and transferred to shelters under Georgia’s pilot animal population management program. As of December 23, the initiative covers Adjara, Imereti, Kakheti and the Borjomi Municipality.
Under the program, animals undergo a full package of veterinary procedures. All 9,136 animals were vaccinated against rabies while 8,961 were sterilized or castrated. A total of 9,048 animals were identified and tagged, including 28 that already had ear tags issued by other organizations. Following treatment, 8,961 animals were returned to their natural environment while 175 dogs and cats remain in shelters and will be released gradually once veterinary procedures are completed.
The pilot program is implemented by the National Food Agency under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, based on a government decree adopted on June 26, 2025. It focuses on humane population control through sterilization, vaccination, diagnostic testing and identification and registration of stray and semi-owned animals.
Authorities say the measures are designed to ensure effective population management, improve animal health monitoring, prevent rabies and other diseases, and create a safer environment for both people and animals.
The program initially set a target of managing 9,000 animals, a figure that has now been exceeded. Officials note that the results will help inform future nationwide policies on animal welfare and public safety.
