The State Duma has banned self-walking of dogs and cats. And she allowed the regions to decide for themselves what to do with stray animals

Deputies of the State Duma of the Russian Federation immediately adopted the law on homeless animals in the second and third readings. 301 deputies voted for its adoption, 31 voted against, seven abstained, Interfax reports .

The law, among other things, prohibits self-walking of pets. Such an amendment was made to Article 13 of Federal Law No. 498 “On the Responsible Treatment of Animals”. The document stated that the ban on “free uncontrolled movement of an animal” applies to all places, except for “places permitted by the decision of the local government for walking animals.”

The current version of the Responsible Animal Care Act prohibits the movement of pets on the roadway, in elevators, in the yards of apartment buildings, in children's and sports fields.

The law also gives Russian regions the right to decide for themselves what to do with homeless animals. Regions were allowed to adopt local laws that determine the procedure for the implementation of activities for the treatment of animals without owners

The law still contains requirements that must be observed when trapping stray animals. Thus, it is forbidden "to use substances, medicines, methods, technical devices that lead to injury, injury or death of animals." At the same time, the document contains a link: "... unless otherwise provided by legislative acts of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation."

• against the law on homeless animals Animal rights activists protested , holding actions near the State Duma. Animal activists believe that the decision of the Duma will allow the regions to legalize the killing of homeless animals. Now in Russia there is an OSVV program (trapping, sterilization, vaccination, return to the street), and after the adoption of the amendments, the regions will be able to find alternative options, including the use of so-called humane euthanasia.