According to the agency, stray animals are gradually returned to a safe environment after completing all relevant procedures, except in locations “identified in the program based on the interests and safety risks of all segments of society (such as kindergartens, schools, etc.).”

“The National Food Agency calls on certain members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified and incorrect information regarding the dog overpopulation management program.

The information being circulated that the agency takes stray dogs to be ‘put to sleep’ is false. Dogs are only transferred for veterinary procedures предусмотренные by the program, including rabies vaccination, identification/registration, and castration/sterilization of stray and semi-owned dogs. It should also be noted that there have been cases where dogs with tags had not undergone the required procedures prior to the launch of the state program. After verification, such dogs are also subjected to the program’s veterinary measures.

After completing the procedures, stray animals are gradually returned to a safe environment, except in locations defined in the program due to safety considerations (such as kindergartens, schools, etc.). In such cases, the animals are relocated to safe locations. The agency is also ready to cooperate with registered caretakers regarding relocation and return of animals to their areas.

It must be emphasized that one of the reasons for the uncontrolled reproduction of stray dogs is when owners abandon their pets on the streets.

The dog overpopulation management reform is based on a comprehensive approach and also includes free rabies vaccination, microchipping, registration in a unified database, and sterilization of owned dogs.

The reform also implies responsibility on the part of dog owners. Through identification and registration, it will be possible to identify owners who abandon animals on the streets, and such owners will be fined in accordance with the law,” the statement reads.

It should be noted that for several weeks, animal rights activists have been holding protests in Tbilisi. The latest demonstration took place on March 29 near the Government Administration building. Participants stated they would not allow the mass killing of stray dogs.

Animal rights defenders claim that the agency is unlawfully taking sterilized and vaccinated animals and not returning them to their original locations.

Protest participants are also demanding the repeal of Article 3 of Government Resolution No. 412, signed by the Prime Minister, arguing that the amendment prohibits the return of dogs transferred for sterilization and vaccination back to public spaces.