Legal Status of Stray Animals: Ways and Means of Solving the Current Urban Issue

The purpose of the study is to conduct a legal analysis of the current Russian model of handling animals without an owner (stray animals), identify its advantages and disadvantages, and propose comprehensive measures aimed at solving the problem of stray animals, including legal, organizational and cultural aspects. Research methods: the article uses a qualitative analysis of regulatory legal acts (federal and regional legislation of Russia), judicial practice, as well as a comparative analysis of foreign legislation and practice (USA, Europe, Asia, etc.). Results. In Russia, the OSVV (trapping-sterilization-vaccination-return) model is used, which is not effective enough to reduce the number of stray animals and their aggressiveness. The authors proved that regional legislation on the treatment of stray animals varies significantly and sometimes contradicts federal laws. There are significant problems in the legal regulation of ownership of stray animals and liability for harm caused by them. Conclusions: The authors propose a comprehensive solution to the problem, including legal measures (clear legislative consolidation of ownership of stray animals for municipalities); organizational measures (changing the waste management system to reduce the food supply of stray animals), as well as cultural and moral measures (development of educational and awareness-raising programs).