Batumi's city hall has drafted new rules for the keeping and care of domestic animals and has already submitted the draft resolution to the city council, the Sakrebulo, for consideration. If deputies approve it, the document will replace the current rules, which were adopted just seven months ago.
According to the city hall, the changes were needed to bring municipal regulations into line with the Code on Local Self-Government. This law empowers municipalities to set rules for keeping pets, including walking, transport and participation in events, and to deal with stray animals: registering them, sterilising them and organising shelters.
The explanatory note to the draft states that its aim is to "create a legal framework for managing pet populations, ensure the safe coexistence of people and animals and introduce animal welfare standards."
The city council will consider the draft at its session on 30 October. If it is approved, the new rules will take effect immediately after publication.
The local press notes that Batumi's city hall has been working for six years on creating a shelter for stray dogs. This year, work that had already begun was halted. According to official data, the contract with the contractor was terminated by mutual agreement because of high soil moisture at the construction site.
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