Stricter Regulations for Dog Ownership in Georgia

Maya Bitadze, the chairman of the Environment Protection and Natural Resources Committee, has announced that a draft law is ready to be implemented to strictly control the ownership and breeding of dogs in Georgia. Under the new law, it will be mandatory to identify all dogs, and owners who throw their dogs on the street will face heavy fines.

In an interview with Business Insider Georgia, Bitadze highlighted the problems of irresponsible pet ownership, including the uncontrolled mating and alienation of dogs. The number of shelters in municipalities that perform sterilization and castration of dogs is small, and the practice is not established for owners' dogs. As a result, the number of street dogs has increased, and owned dogs that are walked without a leash or leash are particularly aggressive and have bitten citizens.

To address these issues, the Environment Protection and Natural Resources Committee has prepared a legislative project to regulate the problem of domestic animals throughout Georgia. The draft law is practically formed, and it will be initiated at the end of June. The law will make owning a dog difficult, expensive, and a responsibility for the owner.

Under the new law, it will be mandatory to chip and identify all dogs, and no veterinary clinic, pet store, or market will be authorized to sell or breed a dog without chipping. An electronic database has been prepared by the FAO, and all shelters, the National Food Agency, veterinary clinics, fairs, animal federations, and similar institutions will have access to it. The dog must undergo appropriate training, and a responsible attitude will be formed towards people who live next to us.

Bitadze hopes that the new law will be effective, but various issues need to be resolved before results can be achieved. While the problem cannot be solved in one day, the new law is a step in the right direction towards responsible dog ownership and reducing the number of street dogs.