Government Allegedly Halts Funding for Animal Sterilization in Zoos
In the city of Yekaterinburg, a significant program aimed at controlling the stray dog population has been put on hold. The grant for the sterilization and castration of stray dogs, which had been annually provided since 2022, was "frozen" by officials in May.
As a result, the sterilization efforts have been paused, which directly impacts the stray animal population. Without continued sterilization, more stray animals will be born, increasing the population and potentially exacerbating issues related to animal welfare, public health, and urban cleanliness.
During the time the funding was available, 1420 stray dogs were neutered in Yekaterinburg, a testament to the program's effectiveness. However, with the grant frozen, the future of the program remains uncertain.
Anna Vayman, a representative of the "Zooprotection" fund, which managed the program, stated that they were prepared to continue the work but have no support due to the frozen grant. Vayman expressed disappointment that while other regions in Russia are actively working, the Sverdlovsk region only has plans and promises.
Sterilizing stray dogs is the responsibility of local municipal authorities in Russia. However, many municipalities lack sufficient funding and catch teams, leading to the work being neglected or done inadequately.
Specialists have repeatedly pointed out that these measures alone are not enough to solve the problem of new stray animals appearing and attacks on people. In Yekaterinberg, eco-activists from the "Zooprotection" fund have been at the forefront of efforts to address the issue.
Elena Sycheva, a journalist based in Yekaterinburg, has reported extensively on the situation. She notes that the suspension of the program is just one of the challenges faced by the city in managing its stray dog population.
As the situation unfolds, residents and animal lovers in Yekaterinburg are urged to stay informed and advocate for the continuation of the sterilization program. The health and wellbeing of the city's stray dogs, as well as its residents, depend on it.
This article was published by RIA "Novyi Den".
The suspension of the sterilization program is causing concern for the future of stray dogs in Yekaterinburg, as the health and wellness of both the animals and the city's residents may be impacted. With no continued sterilization, the stray animal population could increase, potentially leading to worsened circumstances related to animal welfare, public health, and urban cleanliness.
