Deputies of the Majilis have proposed new changes to the law on responsible treatment of animals, with a focus on reducing the time animals spend in shelters. Deputy Marhabat Zhaiymbetov suggested decreasing the timeframes for euthanasia application from 15 to 5 days and from 60 to 30 days during a presentation of the amendments. He mentioned the high costs of maintaining dogs in shelters and cited examples from various countries like England, Japan, Australia, and Israel to support his points on different practices for dealing with stray animals.
Andrey Kim, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Forestry and Wildlife at the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, stressed the need for further discussion on this issue within a working group. Edil Zhanbyrshin, Chairman of the Committee on Ecology and Nature Management of the Majilis, indicated that the proposed amendments could be considered if formally presented.
The law on responsible treatment of animals has seen multiple revisions, with the latest bill amendments being discussed by Majilis deputies on February 14. The new provisions have stirred public debate, including the use of euthanasia to manage the population of sick, unreasonably aggressive, uncared for, and unwanted animals for 15 days (stray animals) and 60 days (abandoned animals).
Moreover, a new amendment allows owners to legally surrender their pets under the condition that the animals are placed in temporary care facilities. Animal rights activists have expressed opposition to these proposed norms, arguing that euthanasia is an ineffective and inhumane method for controlling the population of stray animals.
