The bill’s sponsors explained that Russia adopted a law governing the responsible pet ownership (No. 498-FZ). However, in reality the law does not set any penalties for breaking pet management rules. For instance, according to law, pet owners must clean up after their dogs when walking. But many dog owners ignore this rule and the penalty for violating the rule is not specified in the federal law. Also, the penalty is not specified for walking dogs on children’s playgrounds and sports grounds.
“We propose to introduce legal liability for violating pet management rules. Public could face a fine of up to 500-1,500 rubles. Repeat offenders will receive a fine of up to 1,000-3,000 rubles,” commented Sergey Kerselyan, chairman of the Moscow Regional Duma Committee on Agrarian Policy and the Consumer Market.
It is proposed, for example, to fine owners for walking their pets on playgrounds and sports grounds.
Mosoblduma notes that last year the authorities received 456 complaints from the local residents of the Moscow region about the improper pet management. By the end of November 2021, 367 residents complained. Most complaints are related to uncontrolled walking of dogs - without wearing a leash and a muzzle in public places, including places where dogs are expressly prohibited.
It is clarified that the bill was drafted in June 2021. In October, it received a positive response from the Russian government. Mosoblduma reviewed the draft bill and submitted it to the State Duma for approval.
It must be noted that a similar bill to introduce penalties for breaking pet management rules was previously presented to the State Duma lower chamber by the deputies Pavel Krasheninnikov and Vladimir Burmatov.
