Residents of Almaty discovered the remains of dogs, stripped of their skin, near rubbish containers. According to eyewitnesses and animal rights activists, the animals' bodies were packed into bags and dumped near garages in a residential area. The police have launched a pre-trial investigation into the incident.
WHAT WAS FOUND IN THE COURTYARD
A reader of the publication Tengrinews.kz reported the discovery. According to him, the skinned carcasses of dogs were lying near the rubbish containers.
Witnesses noted the nature of the injuries.
"Their genitals are missing. There are signs of careful skinning. When skin is removed for fur or taxidermy, it is taken off along with the skin of the genitals. This is a typical skinning technique. Ten severed heads, some with the snout sawn off and ears removed. This is very similar to preparation for taxidermy — making stuffed animals," the witness's statement reads.
The statement also suggests that the discovered remains could be waste from fur processing during the manufacture of goods.
WHERE THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE
According to animal rights activist Munira Bayanbul, who arrived at the scene after being notified by witnesses, the animal remains were found at 45 Kokurai Street, Alatau District, Almaty.
The animal bodies were located near garages next to the rubbish containers.
According to her, the remains were placed in bags.
"This is a residential area. The bodies were found by the garages near the rubbish containers. There are many bags — all the bags contain dog carcasses and their remains," she said.
Local residents say similar incidents may have occurred before.
"We used to find sugar bags before. Everything is brought in at night," residents claim in a video that the animal rights activist provided to journalists.
Bayanbul reported that the veterinary service removed the found animal bodies. According to her, eight dog carcasses were discovered at the scene.
WHAT THE POLICE SAID
The Ministry of Ecology reported that a call about the discovery of animal remains was received on the "102" emergency line, after which police officers arrived at the scene.
During the inspection of the area, police officers found:
- 10 dog heads
- 4 animal carcasses
A total of 14 animal remains were recorded.
According to the Alatau District Police Department, the materials have been registered and a pre-trial investigation has been initiated under Article 316 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Cruelty to Animals").
Veterinary service staff also took part in the inspection of the scene.
The police stated that investigative and operational measures are currently underway:
- the scene of the incident is being examined;
- potential witnesses are being questioned;
- individuals involved in the incident are being identified.
WHAT PUNISHMENT IS PRESCRIBED BY LAW
Liability for cruelty to animals is provided for under Article 316 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan ("Cruelty to Animals") and the Law "On Responsible Treatment of Animals".
Depending on the circumstances of the case, the punishment may include:
- a fine of up to 200 MCI (in 2026 — approximately 865,000 tenge);
- community service;
- arrest for up to 50 days.
The final legal assessment will be given based on the results of the investigation.
Recall that on 19 February, near an abandoned factory in Karaganda, bloody bags with dog remains were discovered. They were found by local women while walking their pets. The police also registered a criminal case under Article 316 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan.