Dogs Completing Rehabilitation to Be Returned to Urban Areas in Zugdidi

“Dogs that have completed their rehabilitation period will be returned to Zugdidi,” said Lasha Avaliani.

According to Avaliani, a law on companion animals adopted last year regulates a number of issues, including the removal of animals and their return to designated locations. The law stipulates that in certain areas, the presence of stray animals is restricted. These areas include parks, schools, and medical facilities.

As the Deputy Minister explained, subsequent by-laws further clarified that, in addition to restrictions on stray animals, keeping dogs is also prohibited in these areas—including agricultural markets—due to food safety requirements. The regulation also specifies that dogs must not be returned to such locations.

“Currently, of the animals that have undergone sterilization and castration, 12 out of the remaining 29 will be returned to their territory. The other 17 will be returned after completing their rehabilitation period, likely later today or tomorrow morning,” Avaliani stated.

He also emphasized that the dogs will be returned to the territory of Zugdidi, rather than being relocated to uninhabited areas.