Is it possible to change the destiny of stray animals by legal means?

Abstract

Abstract The article deals with the theory and practice of treatment of stray animals in light of the latest changes in the Russian legislation. The research includes issues of terminology as well as the place of the function of treatment of stray animals in the system of municipal administration functions. The authors prove the unreasonableness of the strategy of returning stray animals sterilized in shelters to the habitat, argue in favor of measures for development of legal liability for violation of the legislation on treatment of stray animals, measures for registration (record) of such animals, the importance of transition to standards of circular economy in the field of waste management, measures for development of culture and education. It is proved that only a set of economic, legal and other measures can lead to success. Decrease in the number of stray animals will lead to the improvement of the sanitary situation in cities, lower the risk of bites and diseases transmitted with their help, and reduce the number of offenses related to cruelty to animals, car accidents involving stray animals, as well as cases of moral stress for children who daily observe suffering of stray cats and dogs.