By the order of the Government of Georgia, and in coordination with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, the National Food Agency has launched a pilot program to manage the population of stray animals (dogs and cats).

According to the National Food Agency, the program is currently being implemented in the regions of Adjara, Imereti, and Kakheti.

The Agency states that any interested person can report the location of stray animals in these regions by calling the Ministry’s unified hotline 15-01. Special crews will then ensure the collection and transportation of animals to designated shelters. There, the animals will undergo castration/sterilization, diagnostic testing, health monitoring, rabies vaccination and dentification/registration. After these veterinary procedures, specially trained crews will return the animals to their original environment.

The National Food Agency calls on the public and volunteers to get involved, noting that the program will help control the animal population, monitor their health, and prevent rabies and other diseases, while also protecting public health and safety.

“The program is carried out with the involvement of local governments. Within its framework, 9,000 stray animals will be taken from the streets and transferred to shelters designated by local governments for appropriate procedures. To implement the program, the Agency has purchased 20 vehicles equipped with ventilation systems, cages, veterinary supplies, and necessary equipment. In addition, 40 employees have been hired to form 20 operational crews,” the statement reads.