Kazakhstan Parliament approves animal euthanasia law amid rising stray dog numbers
Kazakhstan's Parliament approved a bill on Wednesday to amend the animal welfare law, introducing euthanasia for stray animals and reducing mandatory holding periods from 15 to 5 days. The decision aims to address the increasing number of stray dogs, which rose from 190,000 in 2022 to 276,000 by 2026. This move comes amid public concern over the safety risks posed by stray animals.
Legislative Changes
The new legislation, passed by Kazakhstan's Parliament, amends the existing animal welfare law to introduce a policy of non-return capture for stray dogs. The bill reduces the mandatory holding period for captured animals from 15 days to a minimum of 5 days, with local councils allowed to set longer periods if desired. The law aims to curb the rising population of stray dogs, which has not decreased under the previous capture-and-release model.
Public Safety Concerns
Deputy Edil Zhanbyrshin highlighted the public safety risks posed by stray dogs, citing 41,366 dog bite incidents in the past year, with 23,134 involving stray dogs. The current system, which includes sterilization and vaccination before release, has not effectively reduced these risks. The bill's proponents argue that the new measures will better protect citizens while allowing for the humane treatment of animals.
What's Next
The bill now awaits further approval from the Senate before becoming law. It remains uncertain how local councils will implement the new regulations and whether they will opt for longer holding periods.
8 sources
Kazakhstan Parliament approves animal euthanasia law amid rising stray dog numbers
