The Issue of Stray Animals Across Armenia Has Intensified Compared to Previous Years

During a press conference on September 16, 2019, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced, "A stray animal disarmament community organization has been established in Yerevan. This has put an end to the unacceptable practice of dog slaughter. Stray animals are being numbered, sterilized, and some are placed into care. A facility is being constructed for the organization, which will be equipped with modern amenities." The newspaper «Ժողովուրդ» reports.

The newspaper has determined that the issue of stray animals in Yerevan and throughout the Republic of Armenia has now escalated significantly compared to previous years. There have been numerous reports from citizens regarding attacks by stray dogs on people.

The quantitative data on incidents is as follows:

• 2022 – 133 cases
• 2023 – 134 cases
• January 2024 – 5 cases

The above figures refer to incidents reported to the police. In most cases, citizens do not report to the police or hospitals; instead, they arrange treatment at home. MP Garnik Danielyan even reported incidents of repeated bites. In rural areas, there are no specialized centers for controlling and disarming animals, and no budgetary funds have been allocated for this purpose.