Russian
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on responsible treatment of
animals, which outlaws all forms of cruelty to animals and establishes rules of
pet ownership, according to documents uploaded to the official online database
of Russian legislative information on Thursday.
The law was
introduced to the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, in
2010 and took eight years to be passed. The law contains the basic principles
of pet ownership, based on responsible, ethical and humane treatment of
animals.
It also
streamlines the rights and responsibilities of federal, regional and municipal
authorities on the issue of pet ownership. The law establishes rules of
ownership and use of animals, and of their protection against cruel treatment.
Besides, it outlaws the propaganda of cruel treatment of animals and sets forth
requirements for ownership of pets and service animals, as well as for their
use in cultural and entertaining events.
Bans and
restrictions
The new law
prohibits "free and uncontrolled movement of animals in areas with road
traffic, in lifts and other areas of common use in residential buildings, as
well as in yards, recreational areas, playgrounds and sporting rounds. From now
on, owners are obliged to clean the waste left by their pet in those areas.
Municipal authorities now have the right to prohibit animal walks in certain
zones.
The document
also stipulates that dogs of potentially dangerous breeds can take walks only
in a muzzle and on a leash. The only exception is when a dog walks on a
restricted territory belonging to its owner and marked with a warning sign. The
list of those dangerous breeds will be compiled by the Russian government.
The law also
defines the legal status of animal shelters and sets rules for establishing,
keeping and using them. From now on, the capturing of stray animals must be
recorded on cameras and information about them must be made public.
The document
also outlaws petting zoos, animal fights as well as keeping animals in bars and
restaurants.
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