Tokayev Says the Stray Dog Problem Must Be Solved “Without Hype”

The debate over stray dogs has become one of the hottest public issues in Kazakhstan in recent weeks, with arguments over euthanasia, shelters, public safety, and animal cruelty drawing strong reactions from both activists and officials, Orda.kz reports.

Against that backdrop, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the state must respond both to the threat posed by feral dog packs, including animals abandoned by people, and to the problem of cruelty and neglect by pet owners.

Speaking in the context of the Taza Kazakhstan initiative, Tokayev said the problem of stray dogs is largely the result of human indifference. He called for tougher administrative liability for improper animal care, stronger criminal liability for cruelty to animals, and proper public oversight of specialized shelters. At the same time, he said the issue should be handled practically and “without hype”.

The president also stressed that humane treatment of stray dogs should not become a cause of social division. At the same time, he said the problem has been neglected and that children and adults alike are increasingly becoming victims of feral dogs in the regions, which requires both state intervention and legislative support.

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