Kurgan authorities issue statement on stray dog attacks
The administration of Kurgan is asking dog owners not to let their pets out for unsupervised walks. The city hall made the statement after stray dogs attacked a first-grader, and the child sustained serious injuries.
«Dogs can be walked on a leash and with a muzzle. Dog owners bear full responsibility for the actions of their pets. If a dog bites someone or damages property, the owner faces administrative and even criminal punishment,» the city administration reminds.
For violating the requirements of legislation in the field of animal handling, resulting in harm to the life or health of citizens or property (if it is not a criminal case), one can receive an administrative fine of up to 30,000 rubles (approximately $330 at current rates). For causing grievous harm through negligence due to an animal attack, one can be charged under Part 1, Article 118 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation.
Residents of Kurgan are also asked not to feed stray animals.
«If dogs are fed, they begin to guard and protect the territory they consider their own and can attack people. If citizens know that a dog running on the streets has an owner, it is necessary to contact the local police department, which will record the fact and refer it to the relevant authority for taking administrative measures against the animal owner,» added the city hall.
Applications for catching stray animals in Kurgan can be submitted to the city Directorate of Parks and Squares by phone: 24-17-25. One can also call directly to the municipal shelter for stray animals at: 55-00-86. The application must include information about the applicant: last name, first name, patronymic, contact phone number, as well as the location and number of ownerless animals.
