African Swine Fever Measures Violate Legislation

Together with Help Animals Of Ukraine, we took on a serious issue concerning not only animal welfare but also compliance with Ukrainian legislation.

After receiving complaints from residents of the Kharkiv district regarding a decision by the State Emergency Anti-Epizootic Commission, we discovered that the measures implemented to eliminate an African swine fever outbreak, including the “humane killing of stray dogs and cats,” violate Article 17 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty.”

We sent appeals to the Kharkiv District State Administration, to the head of the said commission, and to the Liubotyn Territorial Community, demanding the cessation of these barbaric measures. It is important to note that killing stray animals is a criminal offense under Article 299 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Additionally, we appealed to the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Agrarian Policy, and the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, demanding a review of Instruction No. 111. This instruction, although it contains provisions for the “humane killing of stray cats and dogs,” does not comply with current Ukrainian legislation.

We refer to the Law of Ukraine “On the Protection of Animals from Cruelty,” amendments to which were made in 2021. According to this law, euthanasia of animals is permitted only in specific cases, such as obtaining commercially useful products, ending animal suffering, regulating wild animal populations, and other legally prescribed cases.

We believe that with your support we can achieve justice and humane treatment of our four-legged friends. We ask you to help spread awareness of this situation and stand up for the protection of stray animals and compliance with the law!