Authorities Discuss Dog Catching in Tatsinsky District Settlements
- April 4 marks International Stray Animals Day,a date that brings into focus the challenges faced by communities grappling with growing populations of unhoused animals.
- In February, the city of Morozovsk saw 15 residents attacked by stray dogs over a three-day period.
- While the situation in some areas remains less dire, many residents express fear when encountering packs of stray dogs.
Stray Animal Concerns rise in Rostov Region
Table of Contents
- Stray Animal Concerns rise in Rostov Region
- Stray Animal Crisis in Rostov Region: What You Need to Know
- What is the Current Situation with Stray Animals in the Rostov Region?
- What Recent Incidents Have Highlighted the Problem?
- How Are Local Authorities Responding to the Stray Animal Issue?
- What are the Main Challenges Facing the Rostov Region in Addressing the Stray Animal Issue?
- What Solutions are Being Explored?
- What’s the Cost of Capturing a Stray Animal? (featured Snippet)
- Key Differences in Approaches
- How Can Residents Help?
- Conclusion:
April 4 marks International Stray Animals Day,a date that brings into focus the challenges faced by communities grappling with growing populations of unhoused animals. In the Rostov region, concerns are mounting as the number of stray dogs continues too be a pressing issue. Minezhkh Don estimates approximately 9,600 stray dogs reside within the region.

Recent Incidents spark Alarm
Recent events have heightened anxieties. In February, the city of Morozovsk saw 15 residents attacked by stray dogs over a three-day period. Tragically, just days prior, a nine-year-old girl in Stavropol died following a dog attack.
Local Perspectives and Actions
While the situation in some areas remains less dire, many residents express fear when encountering packs of stray dogs. Local authorities are under pressure to prevent similar incidents.
Zhirnovsky Settlement Grapples with Enforcement
The Zhirnovsky settlement reported issuing three administrative citations in 2024 for violations of dog walking regulations, the highest in the district.
“Last year, capturing a single animal cost 9,500 rubles under our agreement with a specialized institution. This year, that cost has risen by 2,000 rubles.This represents a notable expense, but we lack choice legal solutions.”
Natalya Trischkina, head of the administration of the Zhirnovsky settlement
Limited budgets restrict the settlement’s capacity to manage the stray population.In 2024, ten stray dogs were taken to specialized facilities; in 2025, that number has risen to 16.
“The costs associated with this issue are significant. These funds could be allocated to other critical needs within the territory if pet owners demonstrated greater obligation.”
Natalya Trischkina, head of the administration of the zhirnovsky settlement

Varying Approaches Across Settlements
Budget constraints impact the scale of intervention in different areas. Mikhailovsky plans for the capture of only three animals annually, while Kovylkinsky focuses on just one. Rural administrations prioritize educating the public, noting that many stray dogs are either abandoned pets or animals belonging to local residents allowed to roam freely.
“We responded swiftly to a report from the meadow area concerning a large dog approaching people. The owner, a local resident, downplayed the situation, claiming the dog ‘doesn’t bite.’ We held an explanatory conversation with the individual to prevent future occurrences.”
Tatyana Lachugina, head of the administration of the Kovylkinsky settlement

Nastogorsky Settlement Seeks Solutions
Irina Ponomareva, head of the Nastogorsky settlement, identifies stray dogs as a primary concern. In 2024, the removal of two animals by a specialized organization cost the local budget 17,000 rubles. That same amount has already been spent in the first three months of 2025, reflecting the growing population.
“We are even trying to find homes for puppies, as the animals are not to blame for their situation. The settlement lacks the resources for sterilization programs or a shelter. We urge pet owners to restrict the unsupervised roaming of their animals and to act responsibly toward their pets.”
Irina Ponomareva, head of the Nastogorsky settlement
Stray Animal Crisis in Rostov Region: What You Need to Know
The rostov Region, like many areas, is grappling with an increasing number of stray animals, primarily dogs. This article dives into the specifics of the situation, examining recent incidents, local government actions, and the challenges faced in managing this growing problem. In observing the International Stray Animals Day, It is indeed the time to focus on the growing concerns of unhoused animals.
What is the Current Situation with Stray Animals in the Rostov Region?
The Rostov Region is facing a growing challenge with stray dogs. Estimates suggest there are approximately 9,600 stray dogs in the region. This is based on estimates from Minezhkh Don. This issue has led to increasing public concern and pressure on local authorities to act.
What Recent Incidents Have Highlighted the Problem?
Recent events have intensified public worry. In February,the city of Morozovsk saw 15 residents attacked by stray dogs within a three-day span. Tragically, a nine-year-old girl in Stavropol died after a dog attack, too. These incidents have understandably heightened anxieties and prompted a call for swift and effective solutions.

Local authorities are under pressure to prevent further incidents and manage the stray animal population. Their actions, however, are often constrained by budget limitations and varying approaches across different settlements within the Rostov Region.Here’s a breakdown of how they’re addressing the issue:
Zhirnovsky Settlement’s Proactive measures
The Zhirnovsky settlement has been especially active in addressing the issue. In 2024, they issued the most administrative citations (three) for violations of dog-walking regulations in the district.
“Last year, capturing a single animal cost 9,500 rubles under our agreement with a specialized institution. This year, that cost has risen by 2,000 rubles. This represents a notable expense, but we lack choice legal solutions.”
Natalya Trischkina, head of the administration of the Zhirnovsky settlement
Despite budget constraints, they’ve increased the number of animals taken to specialized facilities from ten in 2024 to sixteen in 2025.
“The costs associated with this issue are significant. These funds could be allocated to other critical needs within the territory if pet owners demonstrated greater obligation.”
Natalya Trischkina, head of the administration of the zhirnovsky settlement

How are different settlements are addressing the problem?
Different settlements within the Rostov region are tackling the stray animal issue with budget-constrained approach
The approaches vary considerably from one settlement to another,primarily due to budgetary restrictions.
In the Mikhailovsky settlement,plans are in place to capture only three animals annually,while the Kovylkinsky settlement focuses on just one.
Many rural administrations prioritize public education. A common observation is that many stray dogs are either abandoned pets or animals belonging to local residents allowed to roam freely.
“We responded swiftly to a report from the meadow area concerning a large dog approaching people. The owner, a local resident, downplayed the situation, claiming the dog ‘doesn’t bite.’ We held an explanatory conversation with the individual to prevent future occurrences.”
Tatyana Lachugina,head of the administration of the Kovylkinsky settlement

Nastogorsky Settlement’s Strategies
The Nastogorsky settlement, led by Irina Ponomareva, considers stray dogs a significant concern. They spent 17,000 rubles in 2024 to remove two stray animals and have already spent the same amount in the first three months of 2025.
“We are even trying to find homes for puppies, as the animals are not to blame for their situation. The settlement lacks the resources for sterilization programs or a shelter. We urge pet owners to restrict the unsupervised roaming of their animals and to act responsibly toward their pets.”
Irina Ponomareva, head of the Nastogorsky settlement
What are the Main Challenges Facing the Rostov Region in Addressing the Stray Animal Issue?
The primary challenges are:
- Budget Constraints: Limited financial resources restrict the scope of intervention, making it hard for local governments.
- Lack of Infrastructure: Many settlements lack the resources for sterilization programs or shelters.
- public Education: The need to educate pet owners about responsible pet ownership, including preventing unsupervised roaming.
- Rising Costs: The cost of capturing and managing stray animals is increasing, further straining already limited budgets.
What Solutions are Being Explored?
Local governments are considering the following solutions. It’s crucial for them to explore these options and implement the actions needed for each option :
- Public Education: promoting responsible pet ownership and the importance of preventing unsupervised roaming.
- Seeking Homes: Actively trying to find homes for stray animals, particularly puppies.
- Sterilization Programs: These could help control the stray population in the longer term, though they have cost implications.
- Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local organizations for greater impact.
What’s the Cost of Capturing a Stray Animal? (featured Snippet)
According to the data, the cost of capturing a stray animal has increased. In Zhirnovsky settlement, the cost per animal was 9,500 rubles in 2024 and now is 11,500 rubles in 2025.
Key Differences in Approaches
Different settlements employ diverse tactics, mainly due to budget and population dynamics.
Here is a comparative analysis:
| Settlement | Focus | Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Zhirnovsky | Enforcement | Issuing citations, capturing animals, addressing violations |
| Mikhailovsky | Capture | Planning to capture few animals annually |
| Kovylkinsky | Prevention and Education | Focusing on reports and public education |
| Nastogorsky | Finding Homes | Actively attempt to search homes for animals |
How Can Residents Help?
The community can contribute by:
- Responsibly owning pets: by ensuring the well-being of their animals, which can greatly minimize these incidents.
- Supporting Local Solutions: Volunteering or donating to local organizations.
- Spreading Awareness: Promoting education and public awareness.
Conclusion:
The stray animal problem in the Rostov Region is a complex issue, with real-world implications and rising costs. Addressing the problem requires a multifaceted approach: local governments must continue to explore and implement a variety of methods, including finding homes, promoting responsible pet ownership, and increasing public awareness, while also being supported by residents and communities within the region.
