Contemporary problems of legal regulation of stray animal population

Existing methods of controlling the stray dog population, such as sterilization and vaccination, often do not solve the problem of animal aggression. The authors propose to revise the existing law enforcement practice regarding animal cruelty, which is designed to establish a balance between protecting animals and ensuring the safety of citizens. Unfortunately, very often, aggression of stray animals in the form of stray dogs attacks on people and other domestic animals is recorded, which harms their health and can lead to death. The existing solution to the problem involves the CNVR formula (catch–neuter–vaccinate–return to the place of residence), but the problems of zooaggression are not solved in this case, which is confirmed by the constant quantitative growth of stray animals and their attacks on people. There are inaccuracies in the wording of animal cruelty in criminal and administrative legislation. Gaps in the state policy on regulating the number of stray animals, including insufficient legal regulation of responsible treatment of animals, are identified. The authors conclude that the most optimal way to regulate the number of stray animals is by means of irretrievable capture and the possibility of their euthanasia in the case of their being unwanted. The need to take into account regional characteristics when determining the period of keeping stray animals in shelters is confirmed. We believe that it is necessary to promote actively responsible treatment of animals among minors and other citizens and to create appropriate federal and regional programs in pursuance of the Federal Law “On responsible treatment of animals”.