The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has officially introduced a comprehensive set of regulations regarding the adoption of pets and the rehabilitation of stray animals.

The Animal Welfare Regulation aligns with changes outlined in the recent Animal Welfare Amendment Act and covers several critical aspects, including the management of stray animal populations, the operation of shelters and responsibilities of pet owners.

One of the most significant aspects of this regulation is the clarity it provides on the processes of collection, rehabilitation and adoption of stray animals. The regulation specifies the procedures for capturing stray animals, their care in shelters and the steps to take before their adoption. It also specifies the responsibilities of local authorities, in particular municipal councils, which are now entrusted with the task of managing stray animal populations on their territory.

According to the ministry, the new rules aim to reduce the number of stray animals on the streets while ensuring that animals in shelters and natural habitats are treated with the highest standards of care. Local authorities will play a crucial role in monitoring and controlling the stray animal population, making it clear that municipalities must act quickly if stray animals pose a risk to public safety or health.

A notable inclusion in the regulations is the adoption of the “capture-neutral-return/adopt” method, which municipalities are now required to follow. This strategy emphasizes the ethical treatment of animals while controlling their numbers. Stray animals will be captured, castrated and rehabilitated in accordance with animal welfare principles. Once rehabilitated, they will either be placed in shelters or returned to their natural habitat if deemed suitable. This approach not only ensures a more humane method of managing stray populations, but also aligns with international animal welfare standards.

The regulation further introduces the concept of “private animal homes”, which can be established by natural or legal persons to accommodate and care for animals available for adoption. These homes have specific requirements, ensuring that animals have a safe and comfortable environment until they find a permanent home.

The regulation introduces stricter guidelines for animal shelters, requiring a minimum space of 8 square meters for small breeds and 10 square meters for large breeds to avoid overcrowding and ensure animal welfare . It also requires citizens who can no longer care for their pets to take them to shelters or approved establishments, with the aim of reducing abandonment and its harmful effects on animals and the community.

The regulation requires that municipalities with more than 25,000 inhabitants allocate a percentage of their budget (0.5% for larger ones) to the care and rehabilitation of stray animals. At least 50% of these funds must be dedicated to expanding or improving shelters and natural habitats until local animal welfare boards confirm that the facilities meet the needs of the stray animal population.

In his statement, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumaklı emphasized that the new regulations will also improve public health and safety by reducing the number of stray animals in urban areas. He noted that a focus on sterilization and rehabilitation will prevent the spread of disease and reduce risks associated with uncontrolled animal populations.

Yumaklı also praised the role of local animal protection councils in overseeing the implementation of regulations, ensuring that shelters and natural habitats meet strict welfare standards. He encouraged municipalities to work closely with these councils to ensure the successful implementation of the new policies, which aim to create a more harmonious environment for people and animals.

Under the new regulations, pet owners must digitally register their animals, provide them with appropriate care and ensure they pose no risk to others. Pet owners are also required to compensate for any damage caused by their pet.

The regulation introduces a three-year adoption ban on people who abandon or neglect their pets, aiming to discourage irresponsible owners and ensure animals are adopted by responsible guardians.

The Sabah Daily News Bulletin

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