“How will they verify compliance with all these requirements?”

The companion animal ownership regulations have been adopted in Donetsk, covering cats and dogs, among other species. The animal owners are now required to register, vaccinate and inoculate their pets within the prescribed periods. Registration is required for animals belonging to both residents of the city and non-residents who plan to stay in Donetsk for more than 45 days. Once registered, the animal’s owner will be presented with a special chip that will serve as its number in the single registry. In addition, the owner is also required to provide the animal with sufficient food and water, to take measures to prevent it from causing noise after 10 p.m., to collect its excrements if deposited in areas not assigned for walking pets, such as entranceways, landings, elevators, playgrounds, and walkways. The ordinance also regulates keeping animals at home and on large plots, keeping dogs that require special responsibility on the part of their owners, rules for dog walking and travelling with them on public transport, keeping exotic animals, as well as buying and selling animals.

Yana NOVOKHATKO, animal rights activist:

“I am very glad to see this ordinance adopted. It is a very important step which can significantly improve animal welfare and protect animals from callous owners who eventually could throw a dog or cat out on the street. However, some of the ordinance’s provisions look less than perfect. For example, how will they verify compliance with all these requirements and what department will be responsible for monitoring compliance with these standards? The city’s beautification control office is currently not ready to answer these questions. In addition, animal cemeteries are an issue, too, as all existing burial pits have been filled beyond capacity.”