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Owners of private animal shelters in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan are raising alarms over the potential seizure of their land by the state، citing 'non-purposeful use' as the reason. This drastic measure could leave more than a thousand dogs and cats without a home، facing the harsh reality of life on the streets.

A Shelter Owner's Struggle

Evgeniya Mamaeva، the head of the ZooHome shelter، invested 10 million tenge five years ago to purchase two hectares of land، dedicating it to helping stray animals. Today، the monthly expenses for food، medication، and care for the animals amount to approximately eight million tenge.

"Every day، about 100،000 tenge is spent on food alone. The salaries for four employees are close to one million tenge per month. Utilities cost 200-250 thousand tenge. On top of that، there are expenses like pest control، vaccines، and treatments for ticks and fleas. Currently، all shelters have very little savings، forcing us to take out loans or ask for money on credit،" Mamaeva explained.

According to Mamaeva، authorities are insisting on the land being used for agricultural purposes، which is the basis for the seizure attempt. However، she states her readiness to incorporate agricultural activities into the shelter's operations.

"We are not offered any alternatives or other land، only the desire to seize the current plot. The court documents state that we must demolish all existing structures at our own expense. We are trying to rectify the situation and are not refusing to use the land for its intended purpose. We have already purchased greenhouses and have agreements for planting. Of course، we will have to allocate a portion of the land for the animals،" she added.

Mamaeva also highlighted a gap in land legislation، noting that there is no specific category for the purposeful use of land for animal shelters or nurseries. She fears that even if the animals are relocated، they could face further displacement.

Another Shelter Faces Similar Challenges

A similar situation is unfolding at another shelter in the Almaty region. Its owner reports that officials are attempting to seize the land due to alleged violations of water legislation، specifically citing the plot's proximity to a river. However، the animal welfare advocate claims no inspection has been conducted.

Natalia Sulzhik، the head of the "White Bim" shelter، recounted a terrifying incident: "Around three in the morning، my security guard، our only employee، called me. He said unknown people wearing masks attacked him. They broke into the shelter and beat him with rebar، breaking his arms and legs. When I arrived at six in the morning، shots were being fired from the mountains towards our property. My son and I were present. Someone wants this valuable، large، and beautiful plot of land. A highway is being built nearby، which is why this interest has arisen. They are telling us to take the dogs to our homes. Please، otherwise، they will be killed."

The regional land resources management committee declined to comment، citing ongoing court proceedings. Reports of widespread land confiscation affecting shelters have also emerged from other regions of Kazakhstan.

This is reported by the Infohub.kz information agency.