The Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan has not yet formed a position on amendments to the law on responsible animal management, which provides for the euthanasia of stray animals. The document has only just arrived in the upper chamber and is at the study stage.
WHEN THE LAW ARRIVED IN THE SENATE
According to Centralmedia24.kz, the draft law was sent from the Mazhilis to the Senate on 15 April 2026. It was subsequently forwarded to relevant committees for consideration.
The Speaker of the Senate, Maulen Ashimbayev, noted that the deputies of the upper chamber have not yet had the chance to examine the document in detail.
WHY SENATORS ARE NOT COMMENTING ON THE INITIATIVE
According to Maulen Ashimbayev, discussions so far are largely based on information from the media and individual statements by Mazhilis deputies.
He emphasised that to form a position, the text of the draft law and its specific provisions must be carefully studied. An analysis of international experience is also planned, as similar issues are being considered in other countries.
WHAT TIMEFRAMES WERE STATED IN THE SENATE
The Speaker stated that senators would need about a week or 10 days to familiarise themselves with the document and prepare substantive comments.
At the same time, he clarified that the law concerns not only the provisions on euthanasia of animals but also includes other provisions, the content of which is not disclosed in the materials.
WHY CAUTION IN ASSESSMENTS IS IMPORTANT
Maulen Ashimbayev noted that premature public comments could put pressure on Senate deputies.
He added that senators receive appeals from citizens and take different points of view into account. According to him, the position on the draft law will be presented after a thorough study.
CONTEXT
The issue is being discussed against the backdrop of amendments to the Law on Responsible Management of Animals, approved in the Mazhilis in early April. The document provides for a reduction in the period animals are kept in shelters and permits the euthanasia of stray animals.
According to Maria Grebyonkina, head of the Stop Trap Foundation, this measure does not solve the problem of stray animals and could create risks of abuse.
Earlier, Vice-Ministers of National Economy and Finance criticised the idea of a tax on dogs in Kazakhstan.