Stray Animals Policy in Georgia and the EU Practice

Abstract

The paper explores stray animals policy in Georgia and the practice of the EU. Accordingly, the aim of the research is to study homeless animals policy in Georgia and compare it with the practice of the EU countries. Studies on stray animals in Georgia mainly focus on the protection of their rights and overlook stray animal policy instruments. This paper is the first to explore homeless animals policy instruments in Georgia, compare them with the practice of the EU countries and determine the reasons for similarities and differences between them. The analysis was carried out based on the interviews with the individuals involved in the stray animals policy - the representatives of LEPL Tbilisi Animal Monitoring Agency, N(N)LE Rustavi Animal Monitoring Centre, N(N)LE Shida Kartli and Kakheti Intermunicipal Agencies for Homeless Animals Management – and the experts in the field; Relevant Georgian regulatory framework for the ownership, care and management of animals, articles of the Codes of The Criminal Law and Administrative Offenses about cruelty to animals, statutes of the aforementioned agencies, as well as researches about relevant laws, regulations and policy instruments in the EU countries. During the research, it was revealed that stray animals policy in Georgia is mainly carried out through creation of agencies, introduction of requirements, regulations, cooperation of state agencies, private clinics and international NGOs, agreements, financing of state programs and provision of services, information dissemination (through internet, brochures, periodic meetings in schools) instruments. These instruments are similar to the policy instruments used in the EU countries. As for differences, in Georgia, unlike the EU, the following instruments are not used: cooperation with local NGOs, co-financing them, subsidies and grants, pet ownership taxes, licensing of breeders and veterinarians; Advertising through posters and television, frequent and mass meetings with people, special school curricula as tools for raising awareness about stray animals, adopting animals from shelters and proper care of animals; Laws related to animal husbandry, euthanasia and homeless animals are fragmented and sparse. The requirements and regulations in Georgia are less strict than the same type of requirements and regulations in the EU countries (especially in countries with strict and moderately strict regulations). Also, it was determined that the reasons for the similarity of the policy instruments are communication and harmonization of stray animals policy and, therefore, its instruments with the EU countries; while the reasons for the difference are path dependence and low political will to increase costs in Georgia.