Amendments to the CAO RF introduce fines for violations of some provisions of the law on the Responsible Treatment of Animals (No. 498-FZ). Such as abandoning a cat or a dog, for instance. Previously, Russian legislation didn’t provide for penalties for these kinds of violations.
From now on, owners violating general animal keeping requirements will face fines of up to 3,000 rubles, officials up to 15,000 rubles, and legal entities up to 30,000 rubles.
General requirements stated by Law No. 498-FZ include proper pet care, timely veterinary care, and prevention of the birth of unwanted litters, i.e., sterilization. It also requires that the owner, who decides to abandon the pet, puts the animal in the hands of a new owner or in the shelter.
Besides that, the new law adds fines to the CAO RF for cruelty to animals. In cases where cruel actions aren’t considered criminal offenses, common citizens will be charged up to 15,000 rubles, officials up to 30,000 rubles, and legal entities up to 100,000 rubles.
In the event of an animal attacking or otherwise harming a human, in cases not considered criminal offenses, common citizens will be charged up to 30,000 rubles, officials up to 100,000 rubles, and legal entities up to 200,000 rubles. The owner of an aggressive pet won’t be fined if the attack occurred in the presence of another person entrusted to act as a pet sitter.
