NGOs working on animal rights have submitted a legislative proposal to the Parliament of Georgia to create stronger safeguards for the protection of animals. It is important that the Parliament of Georgia establish a working group on this legislative proposal. The working group will also consider making the existing penalties for maltreatment of animals stricter. Recent cases of sadistic treatment of animals have once again demonstrated the need for a legislative framework to provide a safe and reliable environment!

Submitted suggestions are as follows:

Arrangement of fights between animals, their ritual killing, conducting experiments and carrying out surgeries without a veterinarian's decision will result in criminal penalties.

The amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses are also envisaged, namely the penalties for violation of rules of animal transportation, violation of permissible rules for mortality and other cases.

Companion animals will be subject to initial registration, identification and registration for annual control.

According to the amendments to the Local Self-Government Code, powers of local authorities will be extended and a provision is added on organizing management and control of companion animals’ population.

See the full draft law here: https://info.parliament.ge/#law-drafting/14697