Mayor of Astrakhan Maria Permyakova shared her vision of how to deal with the problem of stray dogs in the region, where on January 26 a pack of dogs bit a man to death. She is sure that a revision of federal legislation and measures to increase the responsibility of people for pets is needed.
“I am a humane person, but, honestly, I don’t really like dogs. They bit me and the children. I consider it abnormal when there is an uncontrolled movement of animals in the center of the city, where small children walk. A dog is an animal. A cat, of course, is also an animal and can show aggression towards a small child. And this is the worst. I think this situation is unacceptable. Neither in developed countries nor in our capital will we see this, ”she said.
The mayor recalled that even in the case of pets, whose owners are responsible for them, accidents happen. What can we say about an animal that is outside – in the cold, in the mud, it is not clear what it eats and how regularly.
“It definitely cannot go on like this. I understand that the municipalities, unfortunately, are strictly constrained by the federal law, they carry out all the activities that must be carried out within the framework of the law. But the legislation needs to be revised – this is probably obvious to everyone, ”the head of the city emphasized.
Permyakova said that it has become customary for the residents of Astrakhan when a person leaves the store, and in front of him is a pack of dogs to wait in the store. This is not normal, and municipalities are making a lot of efforts to turn the tide, but human participation is also needed here. Personal responsibility, including for pets that are thrown out into the street.
She cited a foreign example, where the owners of any animals must check in at least once a year at a veterinary institution, to show that the animal is alive, healthy and has not been thrown away.
“It will not only stimulate people, but will give some responsibility to a person, make him take care of the animal, he is defenseless. I feel sorry for these animals, especially those that are thrown away. But after all, it is not someone who does this, they do not come from outer space, but we throw them away. It needs to be regulated, it all depends on the person!” Permyakova emphasized.
In her opinion, the solution to the issue of homeless animals depends on federal legislation. Including in terms of keeping them in shelters. Abroad, for example, an animal is kept in a shelter for a certain amount of time – a month, during which it is actively advertised by animal rights activists, volunteers, and caring people. Here, they say, look at what a good dog or cat, take it away, otherwise it will be euthanized, since it is impossible to keep it endlessly.
The mayor shared her experience from Germany, where 25 years ago the situation with stray animals was the same as in Astrakhan, but she managed to change it. There, in particular, it is practiced in shelters to issue a set of feed for a year to a potential owner of an animal.
“This is a joint work – volunteers, animal rights activists. They should encourage people to adopt an animal from a shelter. We have a lot of compassionate people, but incomes in Russia do not allow them to take care of an infinite number of animals. If they are offered food to take with them for many days, maybe someone will think about it, ”Permyakova believes.
Packs of stray dogs are increasingly attacking people in different regions of the country. Why this is happening and whether it is possible to fight it – see the Dobrov on Air program on January 30 at 23:00 on REN TV.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
