Georgia's Stray Dogs Vanish After Mass Removal, Sparking Activist Outrage

Animal rights activists in Georgia are protesting outside government offices, demanding the return of stray dogs removed from cities. The latest incident involved the removal of 150 dogs from Zugdidi, sparking concerns over their fate and the handling of a nationwide sterilisation program. In Zugdidi, activist Salome Partsvania discovered a vehicle loaded with dozens of dogs outside the city hall. Among them were sterilised and tagged animals she had been caring for. When she asked to check on their condition, officials refused but assured her the dogs would not be harmed.

The dogs were part of a larger operation where 150 strays were collected from Zugdidi and transported to the *Hope Shelter* in Kutaisi. Authorities stated the animals would undergo veterinary procedures before being returned—though not to crowded areas. Activists argue that a government decree banning the return of dogs to certain zones is unclear and poorly enforced. They claim stray dogs are disappearing from cities across Georgia without being brought back. While supporting the sterilisation program, they criticise its execution, fearing many dogs may never return to their original locations. The National Food Agency is running a nationwide initiative to sterilise, vaccinate, and castrate up to 36,000 stray animals. However, activists say the process lacks transparency and proper safeguards for the dogs' return.

The protests continue as activists push for clearer policies on returning stray dogs to their habitats. With 150 dogs already moved to Kutaisi, concerns remain over whether they will be brought back to Zugdidi. The government's program aims to manage stray populations, but its implementation faces growing opposition.