Keeping pets is not only a joy and a responsibility, it is also a legally significant topic. Therefore, before getting a pet, it is important to study the rules for keeping pets in Ukraine. This will simultaneously ensure:
- the pet’s comfort;
- the peace of mind of neighbors and those around;
- the preservation of sanitary-epidemiological well-being;
- compliance with the law.
The norms for keeping dogs and cats in Ukraine are regulated by a fairly large number of legal and by-law acts, as well as decisions of local self-government bodies. Let’s understand the legislative requirements in more detail.
Legislative framework in the context of animal keeping
There is no single law on keeping dogs and cats in Ukraine as such. The fundamental document is the Law of Ukraine No. 3447-IV dated 21.02.2006 “On the Protection of Animals from Cruel Treatment”. It establishes basic concepts, general rules and norms of responsibility. In addition, this sphere is covered by:
- Law of Ukraine No.2807-IV dated 06.09.2005 “On the Improvement of Populated Areas”. The document regulates the nuances of organizing walking zones, the responsibility of authorities and the rules for walking dogs in the city for owners.
- Local regulatory acts. Decisions of city and regional councils detail the rules. For example, in the capital, by Decision of the Kyiv City Council No. 1079/3912 dated 27.10.2007, the “Rules for Keeping Domestic Dogs and Cats in the City of Kyiv” were approved.
- Law of Ukraine No. 2498-XII dated 25.06.1992 “On Veterinary Medicine”. Regulates the norms of vaccination, prevention and treatment of diseases.
When analyzing the legislative base, it is important to understand that the national law creates the basis, and specific norms for keeping animals in private houses or apartments, rules regarding walking and registration are established precisely at the city level.
Keeping pets in an apartment and a private house
Regarding keeping animals in apartment buildings, the following rules are established:
- A pet should not pose a danger or discomfort to neighbors. In this context, we are talking about noise, smell, contamination of stairs or elevators. Of course, it is quite difficult to eliminate unpleasant odors and accidents. In case of force majeure, the responsibility remains with the owner. Therefore, it is worth purchasing a spray dog urine odor remover Dogs Urine Odor Remover in advance and completely exclude complaints.
- It is forbidden to leave a dog or cat unattended in common areas. That is, in entrances, partitions, stairwells, basements or attics.
- The owner is obliged to regularly clean the animal’s habitat, observing sanitary and veterinary requirements. In this case, the Step2Clean product line comes to the rescue. For example, stain and odor eliminator spray for soft beds and pet houses Pets Corner.
- It is forbidden to keep more animals in an apartment than the norms allow. Specific numbers vary depending on local rules. But most often no more than two dogs or three cats without special permission.
Regarding private houses, the Law of Ukraine on Animal Protection directly states: an animal cannot be kept on a short chain, without protection from heat, cold, precipitation, as well as access to water and food. That is, the owner of a private house must:
- ensure the animal’s free access to food, water and shelter;
- provide a safe enclosure of the territory to prevent escape or attacks;
- not leave the animal unattended for a long period.
Rules for walking pets in cities
The responsibility of animal owners in Ukraine extends not only to keeping at home but also to the time of walking. Walking is the most noticeable part of animals’ interaction with society. It is in this case that conflicts most often arise and fines are imposed. As the norms for walking are regulated quite clearly.
The main requirements for owners:
- walking dogs on a leash, and in public places also in a muzzle, if the dog is of a medium or large breed;
- cleaning up animal excrement;
- it is forbidden to walk an animal on children’s playgrounds, in sports zones, on the territory of kindergartens or near schools.
And of course, it is necessary to ensure that walking does not create noise or sanitary discomfort. An ideal solution in this case becomes special walking zones. Here the owner can let the animal off the leash and without a muzzle. But only if the pet is not aggressive and does not pose a danger to other animals.
According to the law “On the Improvement of Populated Areas”, local self-government bodies are responsible for organizing such zones. The sites must be:
- fenced and marked with special signs
- provided with trash cans;
- have elements for training if possible.
It is worth keeping in mind that non-compliance with the rules for walking animals can cost the owner a lot of money. Penalty sanctions are regulated by the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses dated 07.12.1984 No. 8073-X.
Registration of pets
Ukraine is slowly but surely moving towards the goal of creating a general register of pets. Although at the moment this process is significantly complicated due to hostilities, occupation of territories, internal displacement and evacuation of the population.
Nevertheless, pet registration allows:
- identifying the animal if it is lost;
- keeping records of vaccination;
- controlling the number of stray animals.
The procedure includes:
- microchipping;
- entering data into the register;
- obtaining a veterinary passport for a dog, cat or other animal.
Prevention, vaccination and veterinary control
The health status of the animal and its safety for the surroundings is an important aspect of keeping. A separate law on mandatory vaccination of animals in Ukraine has not been developed. However, mandatory vaccination, especially against rabies, is provided for by the Law of Ukraine “On Veterinary Medicine”. In addition, Article 37 of this law regulates additional requirements for animal owners, in particular:
- ensuring protection from diseases and treatment in case of illness;
- compliance with zoohygienic conditions, in particular anti-parasitic treatment, for example with the help of deodorizing drops for skin and coat of cats with repellent effect from Arexa;
- mandatory preventive veterinary examinations and tests.
It is important to understand that there is a whole spectrum of zoonotic infectious diseases. That is, those that can be transmitted to people. One of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases with a fatal outcome for people and animals is rabies. Therefore, regular vaccination should not be neglected, in accordance with the norms of the law and the recommendations of the veterinarian.
Fines for violating animal keeping rules
Violation of legal requirements regarding animal keeping is punishable administratively and even criminally. The amounts of fines vary from 170 to 8500 hryvnias. And in case of cruel treatment of an animal, arrest for up to 6 months is possible.
Therefore, owners need to understand that a pet is not just a fluffy family favorite. It is a pet, for the keeping of which responsibility is provided before society and the law.
Ukrainian legislation is gradually improving. Registration is being introduced, responsibility for cruel treatment is being tightened, modern shelters and walking areas are being created. But the main thing to remember is that caring for an animal is not limited to feeding and walking. To create a space where both the pet and people will be comfortable, it is important to take care of hygiene and disease prevention in a timely manner. Safe cleaning products will help with this, for example, organic odor eliminator spray from Step2Clean, as well as the Arexa repellent line – deodorant drops for the skin and coat of pets.
Comply with the requirements of the law and then your pet will be able to live comfortably, safely and in harmony with its surroundings.