"This will turn into outright cruelty." A petition against the legalization of dog euthanasia in shelters was launched by animal volunteers in Transbaikalia.
Animal rights activists call the possible legalization of euthanasia for stray dogs in the region a populist decision and a terrible threat.
"Many still think this will be a humane euthanasia in a clinical setting, causing no suffering to the animal. In reality, however, this will turn into outright cruelty, the mass extermination of... homeless animals." - says in petitions.
Animal rights activists believe this measure is not only cruel but also ineffective, failing to truly address the problem. They point out that the Trap-Sterilize-Vaccinate-Return (TSVR) program is effective. And if the number of dogs on the streets is growing, it's likely that trapping contracts are being improperly executed, and "certain individuals" are profiting from them.
The petition was prompted by the authorities' plans Transbaikalia allow the killing of dogs that end up in government shelters. This supported Head of the Legislative Assembly of Transbaikalia Yuri KonLocal legislators are planning to follow suit. Buryatia — On November 16, a law was passed there allowing the euthanization of stray animals if they have not been able to find owners within a month of being held at a holding facility.
In the summer of 2023, regions were given the right to independently decide what to do with stray animals. A petition against these amendments gathered More than 56 thousand signatures were collected, pickets were held in various cities, but the law on responsible treatment of animals was still changed.