Promotion and lobbying of animal-related laws and regulations

On April 3, 2003 ARC formally proposed amendments [see the text here: http://www.animalrights.ge/files/amends_ordinance_9_5_eng.pdf] to the Ordinance of the City of Tbilisi on the Maintenance of Dogs, Cats and Other Predator Animals [see the text here: http://www.animalrights.ge/files/sakrebulo_ordinance.pdf]. The Ordinance was passed by the Sakrebulo (municipality) of Tbilisi on November 7, 2001.

ARC drafted amendments and comments to the Ordinance based on the similar acts passed by local authorities in other post-Soviet countries. The amendments and comments aim to improve handling of homeless animals, strengthen protection of both homeless and pet animals, and clarify the registration and fining procedures introduced by the existing Ordinance. ARC’s amendments and comments were propped by letters of support from World Society for the Protection of Animals and local environmental NGOs, such as Georgian Greens/Friends of Earth-Georgia, NACRES, Green Alternative and others.

Animal Rights Committee believes that passage of the proposed amendments by the Sakrebulo will promote responsible pet ownership and contribute to the ultimate solution of the problem of homeless animals in Georgia.