In March 2025, the Russian State Duma delayed consideration of a controversial bill that would allow the euthanasia of stray animals after a specific holding period in shelters. Initially scheduled for debate on March 19, the proposal faced significant backlash from public opinion, experts, and lawmakers, resulting in an indefinite postponement.
Reasons for the Delay
The official reason cited for delaying the debate was the lack of an official response from the Russian Government. Without the Government’s evaluation, parliamentary regulations prevented lawmakers from proceeding. Additionally, several committees in Russia’s upper parliamentary chamber, the Federation Council, recommended rejecting the bill entirely due to constitutional concerns.
Public and Expert Reactions
The public reaction was swift and predominantly negative. Multiple protest events occurred nationwide, including major gatherings in Moscow, Kazan, and Irkutsk. The environmentalist party “The Greens” publicly called the proposal “highly unethical,” arguing that euthanasia would fail to address the root causes of animal homelessness.
Experts and animal rights activists supported the delay, highlighting that euthanasia previously proved ineffective in reducing stray animal populations. They emphasized alternative solutions such as sterilization, vaccination, mandatory pet registration, and owner accountability to address the issue sustainably and humanely.
Comments from Senator Andrey Klishas
Prominent Senator Andrey Klishas, chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on Constitutional Legislation, strongly opposed the bill. He cited a July 2024 ruling by Russia’s Constitutional Court, stressing that euthanasia is permissible only under strict, specific conditions, such as severe animal suffering or proven aggression.
Klishas criticized the proposal as a “highly emotional reaction” that would neither solve the stray animal crisis nor comply with constitutional standards. Instead, he advocated for comprehensive measures including mandatory pet registration, microchipping, tighter control of pet ownership, and expansion of shelters.
The indefinite delay has been welcomed by animal welfare advocates, who hope it signals a shift toward more humane and effective management strategies for stray animal populations in Russia.
