A law on the euthanization of dogs has been adopted in Transbaikalia.

Today, on International Dog Day, regional legislative assembly deputies passed a bill that allows the euthanasia of stray animals in "extraordinary situations." Dogs will be euthanized in temporary holding facilities. сообщает Chita.Ru.

Such laws have already been adopted in 17 regions. Moreover, in July 2024, the Constitutional Court decided, that neither shelter overcrowding nor budget optimization could be grounds for euthanasia. Regional authorities then found a loophole in the form of an "extraordinary situation," despite protests from animal rights activists.

The draft law was considered in Transbaikal back in May, but was sent back for revision due to concerns from the prosecutor's office: the definition of "extraordinary situation" was too vague. The new version clarified that an extraordinary situation is a temporary one related to ensuring the safety of people from attacks by stray animals or the spread of diseases dangerous to humans.

The regime will be introduced when it is decided, for example, that regular trapping is ineffective: there are too many animals, as well as too many people bitten. This will be done by the regional government, the State Veterinary Service, and district authorities.  

State Duma deputies led by Nina Ostanina are pushing for the practice of euthanizing dogs to be expanded nationwide without unnecessary complications. In February, they introduced bill, which will prohibit shelters from returning stray dogs to their former habitats, and after the maximum period of keeping in shelters has been reached, it will require the euthanasia of animals.

In several regions rallies took place against this bill, a protest and signature collection took place in Moscow held near the presidential administration. Animal rights activists believe these changes will allow the culling of all stray animals to reduce shelter budgets. The document has not yet reached its first reading.