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The Senate of Kazakhstan has sent a controversial bill concerning animal welfare back to the lower house (Majilis) for further review، refusing to approve several key amendments. Senators raised concerns about specific provisions، particularly those related to the holding periods for stray animals and the regulation of their numbers، advocating for a more lenient approach.

Revisiting the 'Euthanasia Timer'

One of the most debated points was the proposed five-day 'euthanasia timer.' The Majilis had suggested allowing the euthanasia of stray animals five days after their arrival at temporary holding centers. However، senators deemed this period insufficient.

They argued that five days is not enough time to find a new owner or transfer the animal to volunteers. To address local conditions and shelter availability، the Senate proposed granting local maslikhats (councils) the authority to determine the procedures and timelines for regulating animal populations.

Refining Terminology and Cat Status

Furthermore، the Senate suggested removing the term 'euthanasia' from the article concerning animal population regulation، aiming to avoid punitive language. In a significant move، cats were entirely excluded from the list of animals subject to population control measures.

Parliamentarians noted that cats do not pose the same level of public safety risk as aggressive dogs and should not be subject to non-returnable capture for the purpose of culling.

Redefining 'Stray' and Owner Responsibility

The Senate also called for a review of the criteria defining a 'stray' animal. The initial draft suggested that the absence of a microchip would automatically classify a dog as stray. Senators highlighted the risks of this approach، especially in rural areas where widespread chipping is incomplete. A pet without a microchip could be mistakenly captured if it wandered out of its yard.

Under the revised proposal، the primary indicator of a stray animal will remain the absence of an owner.

Strengthening Local Authority and Human Accountability

The updated legislation significantly expands the powers and responsibilities of local executive bodies. Akimats (municipal administrations) will now be directly accountable for organizing shelters، searching for lost pets، vaccination efforts، and public awareness campaigns.

Senators echoed the President's stance، emphasizing that the stray animal issue is primarily a consequence of human indifference and irresponsibility. The law aims to foster responsible pet ownership and hold accountable those who abandon animals، posing a risk to the community.

The current law، 'On Responsible Treatment of Animals،' adopted in 2021، mandates sterilization and return-to-owner systems for population control. However، official statistics by 2026 indicated this model's ineffectiveness.

In early April، the bill faced significant backlash from animal rights advocates and parts of the public after amendments proposing euthanasia for stray animals after their holding period expired were introduced in the Majilis. Critics argued that the new regulations would effectively legalize mass culling. In response to the strong reaction، the amendment's authors stated that 'speculation and manipulation' had begun around the document.