NA Takes Steps for Stray Animal Welfare: New Bills Under Discussion
A committee of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia has given a positive conclusion to the package of bills “On Responsible Treatment of Animals,” which changes the legal approach toward animals.
According to the bill, animals were previously considered only property, and stray animals were deemed ownerless property. The new regulations stipulate that animals, in addition to property rights, will also have specific rights, and the State will be the “responsible owner” of ownerless animals.
The bill applies to domestic, stray, service, show, sports, and entertainment animals but does not extend to wild or agricultural animals. Specifically, it is planned to build animal shelters in three regional centers where stray, lost, or abandoned animals, as well as animals surrendered for temporary keeping and feeding, will be fed, treated, or housed.
Responsibility is stipulated for abandoning animals.
Meri Galstyan emphasized that the goal of the draft law is the protection of animal rights, as well as ensuring human safety and the harmonious coexistence of animals and people. She underscored that the main purpose of the law is to resolve the issue of stray animals.
During the discussion of the bill, the authors also presented international experience, having studied sectoral approaches in about 20 countries, and held consultations with representatives of non-governmental organizations, experts, and state bodies.
The draft law will soon proceed to the NA plenary session for discussion and approval.