Georgia to launch mandatory pet microchipping - Mdinaradze

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the executive secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has announced plans for a state program to address the growing number of stray animals in Georgia. The program will require pet owners to microchip their animals, making it easier to identify and locate them if they are found on the streets.

Speaking at a briefing at the Georgian Dream office, Mdinaradze explained that leaving a pet behind will carry an administrative fine under the new regulations.

“Estimates suggest that there are currently between 300,000 and 350,000 stray dogs in Georgia. We are launching a state program to create a database and implement procedures that will help reduce the number of stray animals,” Mdinaradze said.

He emphasized that the program will include an electronic system and regulatory law to streamline the process of identifying a dog’s owner. Mdinaradze noted that the issue worsened during the pandemic when many people abandoned their pets.

“Our goal is to create a law that makes it much harder to simply abandon an animal. Every pet owner will be required to ensure the traceability of their animal through microchipping. Identification of stray animals found outside will be possible through this system, and abandoning an animal will carry a substantial administrative fine,” he stated.