New Draft Law on Responsible Animal Welfare Presented

Vice Speaker of the National Assembly Lena Nazaryan and member of the 'My Step' faction, Meri Galstyan, have presented a draft law on 'Responsible Animal Welfare' in Armenia.

The draft law establishes the responsibilities and limitations for individuals regarding responsible treatment of animals, requirements for keeping and caring for domestic animals, treatment standards for stray animals, and animals used in exhibitions, sports and leisure activities, as well as service animals. It also details the obligations of animal keepers, prohibited cruel acts against animals, the procedure for euthanizing animals, and the legal relations surrounding animal breeding, sale, and use.

The anticipated outcome of passing and implementing this legislation is to reduce negative phenomena involving cruel and irresponsible actions towards animals and to create legal mechanisms that will ensure animal welfare and protection.

The draft specifies the requirements for euthanizing animals. According to these stipulations, euthanasia must be carried out in a veterinary establishment, clinic or shelter permitted by the local self-government and using registered drugs in Armenia. The euthanasia process should utilize substances that quickly lead to a total loss of consciousness and sensation of pain in the animal, resulting in death. The veterinarian must record the reasons for euthanasia and the details of the veterinary drug used in the euthanasia log.

Furthermore, this draft allows euthanasia in certain cases: for animals suffering from untreatable diseases; to eliminate infectious diseases that pose a threat to human or animal health; in cases of pathological, non-recoverable changes or severe injuries causing pain and suffering; for animals whose aggressive behavior poses a threat to human or animal health; and for offspring with abnormal deviations or congenital defects incompatible with life. It also allows for the emergency management of an overpopulation of animals as decreed by local authorities.

Termination of an animal's life without euthanasia is permissible in cases where aggressive behavior threatens human or animal health or safety, and capture is not possible; and in cases of necessary self-defense during an attack by the animal.

Additionally, the burial or cremation of animals in unauthorized locations is prohibited.

The draft also establishes penalties: 1. Violations of the requirements established by the 'Responsible Animal Welfare' law (except for the first part of Article 10) will result in a warning or fines from 20,000 to 100,000 drams for citizens, and from 100,000 to 300,000 drams for officials. 2. Acts causing damage to the property of legal or physical persons, as well as injury to individuals resulting from violations specified in the first part of this article will incur fines of 50,000 to 200,000 drams. 3. Organizing events, exhibitions, or competitions involving animals without permission in the administrative territory of the community will result in a fine of 50,000 drams. 4. Carrying out activities of an animal shelter without permission in the community’s administrative territory will also result in a fine of 50,000 drams. 5. Conducting breeding activities without permission in the community’s administrative territory will incur a fine of 100,000 drams. If the same violation is repeated within a year from the date of administrative penalty issuance, a fine of 300,000 drams will apply.

Corresponding amendments have also been made to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, establishing criminal liability for prohibited acts involving cruel treatment of animals as defined by the 'Responsible Animal Welfare' law.