Citizen: State demands payment from dog owners but does not create appropriate conditions for pets (video)
A dog named Bella has been filling the routine of Knarik Mirzoyan for two days. Recently, Ms Knarik was told that she had to pay 5000 drams to be able to keep the dog in her home. “I received a telephone call warning me about the payment. The girl on the other side was speaking in an angry voice. I explained to her that we live in a rented apartment and are not registered at the given address. The young girl said she did not care about it and added that I kept a pet and had to pay for it,” says the 58-year-old woman. Under Article 10.7 of the Armenian Law on Local Duties and Fees, starting 2015, pet owners shall pay AMD 5000 for the permit to keep domestic animals in the territory of Yerevan and urban communities in compliance with municipal rules. “I heard about the law, but everyone says they do not pay the money. Every second family has a dog today, but none of them makes the payment,” said Ms Knarik. She says she is not worried about the sum but if the Municipality demands payment for keeping pets at home, it is obliged to provide appropriate conditions for pets outside. Why should I pay the money if there are not playgrounds and other necessary conditions for pets?” she said. By a decision of the Yerevan Municipality, dogs cannot be taken for walks to playgrounds, health, educational, cultural and sports institutions and market areas. Although dog walking is allowed in other areas, Bella has been taken out only several times. Ms Knarik treats the pet like a child and is wary of taking the dog to the yard for fear that someone might hurt the animal.
