Tbilisi Mayor condemns break-in at Lilo stray dog shelter, highlights ongoing infrastructure projects

Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze has condemned the incident at the Lilo stray dog shelter, describing the break-in as “categorically unacceptable” given that animals housed there included those under observation for rabies or serious illnesses.

“It is unimaginable that people would enter a facility where animals are under observation, some with rabies, others with serious illnesses. Such behaviour is categorically unacceptable,” Kaladze said.

The mayor also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in Lilo and Gldani designed to improve conditions for stray animals. 

The Lilo facility is being expanded to include 300 additional dog enclosures, while a new Gldani shelter is being constructed to accommodate 500 dogs.

Kaladze said these measures reflected the municipality’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the community regarding stray animals.

“These projects aim to provide maximum support and assistance in response to existing challenges that concern the public,” he said.

Kaladze dismissed recent reports about stray animals as speculation, noting that the city has carried out unprecedented sterilisation and castration efforts over the past several years.

“The actions we saw yesterday were not correct and are categorically unacceptable. Such actions and statements create hatred in society, including towards stray animals, which is entirely inappropriate,” the mayor said.