National Assembly Committee Approves Law on Responsible Treatment of Animals

The National Assembly's Standing Committee on Territorial Administration, Local Self-Government, Agriculture, and Environmental Protection has approved a package of draft laws on "Responsible Treatment of Animals." The package was authored by MPs Mari Galstyan and Arusyak Manavazyan from the Civil Contract faction.

"Under our legislation, until now, an animal is considered property, and an ownerless animal, or a stray animal, is regarded as abandoned property with related consequences. This is enshrined in the civil code, and we have introduced amendments to relevant articles, so that in addition to property rights, the provisions and principles of our law will also apply to animals. What is most important to note is that an animal, apart from property rights, also has other rights that will be enshrined in this primary law, and an ownerless animal has an owner, meaning a responsible person, and that is the state," said Mari Galstyan.

The MP noted that a broad segment of the public is particularly concerned about the issue of stray animals, which is a serious problem in both health and safety terms. "We have tried to ensure a balanced approach within the framework of this law and related laws to protect both animal rights and human safety and rights, and to ensure harmonious and safe coexistence between humans and animals. The law will regulate domestic, stray, service, exhibition, sporting, and recreational animals. It does not address wild animals or agricultural animals in any way," noted the co-author of the law.

The positively assessed package of draft laws will be discussed in the plenary session of the parliament.