In the Eastern Siberian town of Ulan-Ude, authorities have made the decision to start culling stray dogs, causing a group of dedicated dog-lovers to take action. Volunteers have boarded trains to various parts of Russia, including Moscow, St Petersburg, and Vladivostok, to send dogs to new homes and private shelters. The goal is simple – to save these innocent souls from death. This heartwarming rescue mission has captured the attention of many and shed light on the ongoing issue of stray dogs in the region.
Ulan-Ude, with a population of nearly half a million, has long struggled with a large number of stray dogs. The recent decision by authorities to put them down has sparked controversy and divided opinions. In 2020, Russia’s parliament passed a law requiring stray dogs to be caught, sterilized, vaccinated, and set free, aiming for a more humane approach. However, this law did not sit well with the residents of Buryatia, the republic where Ulan-Ude is located. Concerns arose that the released dogs would form packs and pose a threat to people.
In response to these concerns, last year Russian MPs rolled back the law, allowing each region to decide their own approach to handling strays. In Buryatia, this meant returning to the previous policy of culling the dogs. Unfortunately, this decision has resulted in the euthanization of 18 stray dogs at a government shelter just last week. Activists argue that these dogs did not need to be put down and could have been rehabilitated and safely adopted.
Neglect is identified as the root cause of the stray dog problem in Ulan-Ude. People often take in dogs for a short period and then abandon them, or discard puppies from their dog’s litter onto the streets. Activists point out that local laws do not hold individuals accountable for such behavior, contributing to the continuous influx of stray dogs. Despite the efforts of animal welfare activists, they estimate that there are still about 2,000 dogs in need of rescue.
However, the rescue mission comes with financial challenges. Each dog’s journey to safety costs approximately 5,000 roubles (£44; $55). The dedicated volunteers rely on financial support from kind-hearted individuals who are unable to adopt a dog but are willing to contribute to their trip. While many dogs have been saved, there is still a significant number awaiting their fate.
Stella Ovsoyan, a volunteer, admits that the difficult decisions she has to make at the shelter weigh heavily on her. With limited resources, she must choose which dogs to send for adoption, while others remain unsure of their future. Despite the challenges, Ovsoyan finds solace in the success stories of dogs she has already sent to their new homes.
The situation in Ulan-Ude is not unique, as stray dog controversies have been reported in various parts of the world. In South Korea, the complicated relationship with dog meat has sparked debate and advocacy for animal welfare. China has implemented stricter regulations on dog ownership following a toddler mauling incident. In Ukraine, cat and dog influencers have emerged as a means to cope with the ongoing war. Meanwhile, the issue of stray dogs in India has led to heated discussions about animal rights and public safety.
The plight of stray dogs in Ulan-Ude highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for effective animal welfare legislation. While the dog-lovers’ efforts have made a significant impact, it is crucial for local authorities and communities to address the root causes of the stray dog problem and implement long-term solutions. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for these innocent creatures who deserve love and compassion.
