Georgia is facing increasing scrutiny regarding the treatment of stray dogs. Recent reports suggest the Georgian government may be secretly euthanizing street animals, including cremation in Gori. Salome Partsvania, a local activist, documented the situation, beginning with the capture of 65 stray dogs by the National Food Agency on March 30th, ostensibly for vaccination.
Many of these dogs, already vaccinated and neutered, were transported in a ‘car-cage’ to Kutaisi. Partsvania’s pleas to avoid taking processed animals were ignored, with claims of forceful dismissal. Concerns escalated when the Tamaz Elizbarashvili Dog Shelter filmed thick smoke rising from the Gori State Shelter, coinciding with the Food Agency’s arrival.
The footage revealed a rarely used crematorium operating, creating a horrific stench. Activists demanding the dogs’ release were told they would be released into ‘uninhabited places’. However, only 26 of the 65 dogs were returned to ‘neutral territory’, including the blind and deaf dog, Bata, who was subsequently returned to his original location.
The legal framework surrounding stray dogs in Georgia has undergone significant shifts. Initially, a ‘pilot programme’ focused on sterilizing and vaccinating cats and dogs in Gurjaani, Kutaisi, and Batumi, utilizing the TNR model. However, inconsistencies arose with the National Food Agency failing to return captured dogs to their communities.
A new ordinance in February 2026 expanded the program nationwide, excluding Tbilisi and Adjara, and crucially, restricted where dogs could be released, prohibiting areas near schools, hospitals, and recreational spaces. Animal rights groups argue this new legislation contradicts the original humane intent, limiting the environment where stray dogs can survive. Tiko Kvaliashvili of Animal Rescue Georgia contends that the government’s approach has been ineffective.
Protests have been ongoing, highlighting the continued presence of stray dogs and the ongoing debate surrounding their management. The situation underscores the challenges in balancing public health concerns with the welfare of these vulnerable stray dogs.
Topics: #stray #dogs #dog
The Georgian government is under growing examination concerning the handling of stray dogs. There have been recent reports indicating the government might be secretly euthanizing street animals, even
The Georgian government is under growing examination concerning the handling of stray dogs. Recent accounts indicate the Georgian government could be discreetly putting down street animals, including