OIPA ETS has taken immediate action in response to growing concerns over the management of stray animals in Georgia, sending an official letter to national authorities and diplomatic representations.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with OIPA’s Member League in Georgia which has been closely monitoring the situation on the ground.
A Programme Under Growing Concern
In 2025, Georgia adopted a new Law on Companion Animals and launched a national programme aimed at managing stray populations through sterilisation and vaccination.
Under Decree No. 1019, the National Food Agency (NFA) initiated a pilot programme targeting approximately 9,000 animals, with the clear obligation to return sterilised animals to their original habitat.
However, according to consistent reports from local organisations and activists, this obligation is not being systematically respected.
Instead, a significant number of animals taken for sterilisation have reportedly not been returned, while caretakers have received no information regarding their whereabouts. In several cases, even already sterilised and ear-tagged dogs have been captured again.
A new decree adopted in February 2026 (No. 412) significantly expands the programme, planning the sterilisation of over 36,000 dogs. At the same time, it introduces restrictions on where animals can be returned, without clearly defining these limitations.
Activists warn that this vague framework may be used to justify the disappearance of even more animals.
Failures in Practice
Beyond the legal framework, the situation on the ground raises serious concerns.
Reports and documented evidence indicate that:
– Dogs are being transported to shelters and, in some cases, relocated to unsuitable or uninhabited areas
– Animals are returned in poor health conditions, including untreated injuries and disease
– Already sterilised animals are being unnecessarily captured again
In documented cases, dogs have been moved far from their original territories, including to isolated areas with no access to food or shelter.
Inspections of shelters have also raised concerns regarding hygiene conditions and access to adequate veterinary care.
These elements suggest significant gaps between policy objectives and their implementation in practice.
A Lack of Transparency
A recurring issue across all reports is the lack of transparency.
Caretakers and local citizens are often unable to obtain information about animals that have been taken by authorities. In some cases, official statements appear to contradict observations made on the ground.
This lack of clarity not only raises concerns about animal welfare, but also undermines public trust.
A Growing International Concern
The situation has begun to attract increasing international attention.
More than 40 organisations and approximately 40,000 citizens have supported a joint statement calling for a humane and effective approach to stray animal population management.
The statement emphasises key principles, including:
– the obligation to return animals to their original habitat
– the avoidance of unnecessary shelter transfers
– full transparency regarding the whereabouts of animals
These principles are consistent with internationally recognised CNVR (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) standards, which represent the only effective and humane long-term solution to stray overpopulation.
OIPA’s Immediate Action
In light of these developments, OIPA has formally addressed the Georgian authorities, urging them to ensure full compliance with national legislation and international standards.
At the same time, the organisation has shared its concerns with diplomatic representations to raise awareness at the international level.
In its letter, OIPA calls on the authorities to:
– Ensure that animals taken for sterilisation are returned to their original habitat, with proper documentation
– Avoid the unnecessary capture of already sterilised animals
– Provide clear and transparent information regarding the whereabouts and treatment of animals
OIPA has also expressed its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation to support humane and effective solutions.
A Critical Moment for Animal Welfare
This situation represents a crucial moment for the future of stray animal management in Georgia.
While legislative progress has been made, its effective implementation remains essential.
OIPA will continue to closely monitor developments, in collaboration with its Member League and other partners, advocating for a system that is transparent, humane, and aligned with international standards.
