dogs

Introduction. The article deals with the theory and practice of treatment of stray animals in the context of recent changes in the Russian legislation. Theoretical analysis. Terminology issues are investigated. The author also proves that the strategy of return of sterilized animals from animal shelters to their natural environment is groundless. The author justifies measures for development of legal responsibility for violation of the legislation on the treatment of stray animals, measures for registration of stray animals, importance of change of the state policy in the field of animal by-products, measures for development of ecological culture and education. Results. Stray animals (animals without owners) occupy a special place in the classification of wild and domestic animals, having an intermediate position. At the moment, Russia has adopted a package of laws clarifying the legal status of stray animals, but there is still some confusion in terminology and declarative procedures aimed at reducing the number of stray animals. Implementation of the measures proposed in the present study will reduce the number of stray animals, which will lead to the improvement of sanitary conditions in the cities, will reduce the risk of bites and diseases they may cause, will reduce the number of offences related to cruelty to animals, the number of road accidents involving stray animals and moral stress for children who have to watch stray cats and dogs suffering every day. Reducing the number of stray animals will also save taxpayers' money, since the burden of stray animal treatment on municipal authorities will be eased.