A growing wave of violence against stray animals in Kazakhstan is raising international alarm
A deeply concerning situation is unfolding in the Republic of Kazakhstan, where the management of stray animals has increasingly taken the form of extreme and widely documented violence.
In recent months, graphic videos, images and testimonies have been circulating internationally, showing the use of brutal methods such as the shooting and poisoning of animals in public spaces. These practices, reportedly implemented as part of stray animal control measures, have sparked growing international alarm due to their cruelty and the lack of humane and effective population management strategies.
OIPA ETS has been closely monitoring the situation through direct engagement with local stakeholders. The evidence collected points to a pattern of practices that are not only inhumane but also ineffective, raising serious concerns at both national and international levels.
In response, OIPA has formally submitted an official letter of objection to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, expressing strong concern over the current approach to stray animal management and calling for urgent reconsideration of these measures.
The communication has been addressed not only to national authorities, including the Office of the President, relevant Ministries and the Parliament, but also shared with key international actors and diplomatic representations. These include the European Union Delegation, several foreign embassies, the Ombudsman for Human Rights, as well as international organizations and stakeholders involved in public health, animal welfare and governance.
According to OIPA, such practices are in clear contradiction with internationally recognized standards on humane animal population management. In particular, the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Article 7.7) emphasizes that indiscriminate killing is neither an effective nor sustainable solution and promotes science-based approaches such as vaccination and sterilization.
The situation also raises significant public health concerns. Reports indicate the discontinuation of rabies vaccination programmes, a decision that may increase the risk of disease transmission. This stands in contrast with the One Health approach, promoted globally by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), which recognizes the interconnection between human, animal and environmental health and supports coordinated prevention strategies.
Beyond animal welfare and health implications, the issue has a clear social dimension. The killing of animals in public spaces exposes citizens, including children, to acts of violence, potentially affecting their well-being. Additionally, OIPA has received reports of intimidation and threats against individuals engaged in animal protection activities, raising concerns regarding the protection of civil society and fundamental rights.
In its official communication, OIPA highlights that these developments may be inconsistent with international obligations, including those related to the protection of public health and children’s rights under international conventions.
Given the seriousness of the situation, OIPA has brought the matter to the attention of the international community, including the United Nations system, and is actively following its developments.
The organization calls on the Government of Kazakhstan to urgently reconsider current practices and to adopt humane, ethical and effective solutions based on internationally recognized standards. These include vaccination programmes, sterilization, and responsible and humane population management, alongside open dialogue with veterinary experts, public health professionals and animal protection organizations.
OIPA reiterates its full availability to engage in constructive dialogue and cooperation. At the same time, it underlines that the continuation of such practices is generating increasing international concern and calls for immediate and responsible action.
