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Kazakhstan is currently debating a new bill concerning animal welfare, with a notable demonstration of microchipping by Member of Parliament Edil Zhanbyrshin. The procedure was showcased during a briefing at the Mazhilis (Parliament) discussing the draft law titled "On Responsible Treatment of Animals."

Addressing Corruption and Stray Animals

During the briefing, journalists questioned how the implementation of the new law would be monitored and how corruption risks could be mitigated. Zhanbyrshin explained that mandatory animal registration, including microchipping, is a key measure to reduce these risks. He demonstrated the process using a special syringe and a small chip, emphasizing that it allows for proper tracking of stray animals, thereby preventing corrupt practices.

"When there is accounting, when there is data, when there is photo and video recording, it is difficult to use shady schemes," Zhanbyrshin stated.

Cost and Accessibility of Microchipping

Regarding the cost, the MP indicated that microchipping is "approximately affordable." He noted that the lowest price in veterinary clinics is around 1,200 tenge (approximately $2.70 USD). He personally showed where the chip is implanted under the skin, highlighting its small size.

Regulating the Stray Animal Population

Zhanbyrshin also addressed the need to regulate the number of stray animals. The proposed legislation considers options for capturing animals and rehoming them. However, if animals are not rehomed, they may face euthanasia, unless local authorities decide otherwise. He referenced international practices, mentioning similar measures used in Japan to tackle the stray animal issue.

Previously, Edil Zhanbyrshin reported that Kazakhstan registers approximately five instances of dog attacks on people every hour, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Law

The draft law proposes significant changes to the current methods of managing stray animals, which have been deemed ineffective by lawmakers. Instead of the current practice of capturing, sterilizing, vaccinating, and releasing animals, the bill suggests a shift towards mandatory holding and potential euthanasia for unclaimed animals.

Further amendments include mandatory temporary sheltering for captured animals, a move away from budget-funded vaccinations for stray animals, and expanded use of euthanasia. The legislation also aims to introduce public oversight of shelters and holding facilities, clarify the powers of local administrations, and establish requirements for the registration, microchipping, breeding, and keeping of pets.

This initiative follows a previous proposal in Kazakhstan to introduce a "timer" for stray animals in shelters, with limited holding periods: up to 5 days for stray animals and up to 60 days for pets. If not claimed within these periods, euthanasia would be permitted. The Ministry of Ecology cited the inefficiency of the current "capture-sterilize-vaccinate-release" (CSVR) system, noting that animals continue to pose risks in packs.

While the proposed amendments mandate microchipping and aim to increase accountability for animal cruelty and regulate breeding, they have met with opposition from some segments of the public. Animal rights advocates argue that these measures could effectively legalize mass culling and advocate for increased development of shelters, owner accountability, and systematic prevention strategies instead. The "On Responsible Treatment of Animals" law was adopted in 2021, but experts and activists believe many of its provisions are not yet fully operational.