According to the National Food Agency, as of December 23, a total of 9,136 dogs and cats have been collected and transferred to shelters across the regions of Adjara, Imereti, and Kakheti, as well as Borjomi municipality, as part of the pilot programme for managing the stray and cared-for stray animal populations.

“The animals have undergone the following procedures: 9,136 dogs and cats were vaccinated against rabies; 8,961 animals were neutered or spayed; 9,048 were identified and ear-tagged (28 dogs already had ear markers placed by various organisations); 8,961 were returned to their natural environment; 175 dogs and cats are currently in shelters and will be returned to their environment in stages following completion of veterinary procedures.

By decree of the Government of Georgia (No. 1019, 26th June 2025), and under the coordination of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the National Food Agency is launching a pilot programme for managing stray animal populations (dogs and cats). The programme encompasses neutering and spaying of both stray and cared-for stray animals, as well as vaccination, diagnostic testing, and identification and registration.

These measures will enable better management of animal populations, allow for monitoring their health, and aid in the prevention of rabies and other diseases, thereby helping to create a safe environment for both humans and animals.

The programme covers the Adjara, Imereti, and Kakheti regions, as well as the Borjomi municipality.

Within the framework of the programme, provision has been made for the collection of 9,000 stray animals from the streets and their transfer to shelters for appropriate procedures,” the information states.