Kuban's Canine Issue: Ombudsman Musak Discusses Role of Euthanasia as a Possible Solution
In the Krasnodar region of Russia, the possibility of euthanizing stray dogs has been proposed by regional officials. The proposal has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the feasibility and appropriateness of such a measure, as noted by human rights commissioner Sergey Myshak in an interview with kuban.aif.ru.
Myshak expressed concern over the lack of a comprehensive legislative act governing animal treatment in Russia. Existing norms, such as those equating animals to property and laws on protection from cruel treatment, do not address the issue fully.
The diversity of cultural and religious traditions in Russia plays a significant role in shaping attitudes towards dogs, with varying perceptions among different ethnic and religious groups. Myshak pointed out that no religion advocates for killing animals, citing Islamic and Buddhist views on dogs as examples.
Myshak has called the proposed bill insufficiently developed and has urged for its wide discussion involving experts, scientists, and public organizations. While he expressed confidence that euthanasia is not a solution to the problem, he allowed for the possibility of issuing permits for shooting feral dogs to control their population.
Meanwhile, in Türkiye, the situation regarding stray dogs is different. The Animal Protection Law No. 7527, enacted in 2024, grants municipalities the power to collect stray dogs and place them in shelters. The law removes the term "euthanasia" but still allows for its use under veterinary service regulations, particularly for animals in pain, terminally ill, or posing a health risk to humans. The Constitutional Court of Türkiye recently upheld the law's provisions.
Public opinion in Türkiye is divided, with 78.6% of respondents supporting the placement of stray dogs in shelters and 16.9% advocating for dogs to remain on the streets. Animal rights activists have strongly opposed the law, fearing it could lead to mass euthanasia and have labeled it the "massacre law." Critics argue for sheltering, neutering, spaying, and adopting stray dogs, as well as humane population control through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
Regarding Russia, there is currently no specific information available about laws or public opinions related to euthanizing stray dogs.
- The debate over euthanizing stray dogs in Russia is complex, extending to policy-and-legislation and politics as regional officials propose such a measure, yet the lack of a comprehensive legislative act on animal treatment raises concerns, as expressed by human rights commissioner Sergey Myshak.
- In light of the diversity in cultural and religious traditions in Russia, Myshak emphasized that no religion promotes killing animals, citing Islamic and Buddhist views on dogs as examples, signifying the importance of mental-health and health-and-wellness considerations in any discussions or decisions regarding strays.
- Amidst the controversy, Myshak suggested a need for robust discussions involving experts, scientists, and public organizations to ensure a well-rounded science-based policy for addressing Russia's stray dog issue, whether through humane population control methods or other means, while acknowledging the possibility of issuing permits for shooting feral dogs as a measure.
