Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov has expressed serious concern over cases of cruel and irresponsible treatment of animals, according to a statement released by the city administration's press service on Saturday.
Reports of violence against animals are emerging almost daily. Recently, the animal protection society "Mehr va Oqibat" reported an incident where a woman beat a cat in her apartment. Several cats were found in her residence. The newspaper has also repeatedly documented cases of cruelty by municipal capture services.
"Recent events have once again demonstrated how important it is not only to respond promptly to such incidents, but also to consistently foster a culture of kindness, responsibility, and respect for all living beings in society," the capital's administration stated.
"Our people have always been characterized by goodness, care for the weak, and compassion. Cruelty to animals is alien to our traditions and values. The attitude towards those who cannot defend themselves is an indicator of the morality and maturity of the entire society," the statement added.
The administration announced that Tashkent has begun "translating into practical terms a modern and humane system for dealing with stray animals."
Recently, a working meeting was held with the participation of the head of the mayor's office apparatus, Shokhrukh Mamajonov, founder of the "Hayot" shelter for stray dogs, Iroda Matkarimova, and heads of the improvement and stray animal capture services to discuss the creation of a specialized shelter for stray dogs in Tashkent.
"It's not just about building a shelter. The task is to create a comprehensive system that includes safe and humane capture, veterinary examination, vaccination, sterilization, treatment, temporary housing, and finding new owners for the animals," said administration representatives.
The project will involve specialists, veterinarians, public figures, and volunteer organizations, the city administration expressed confidence.
The administration called on residents, pet owners, public organizations, and all concerned citizens to "contribute as much as possible to fostering a responsible and humane attitude towards animals: not to remain indifferent to cruelty, to care for their pets, and to support initiatives aimed at protecting animals."
"Tashkent should be safe and comfortable for residents, and at the same time a city where animals are treated with compassion, care, and responsibility," the administration emphasized.
"Cats and dogs live next to us, and we share a single urban space with them. Therefore, caring for the well-being of residents cannot be separated from humane treatment of our four-legged neighbors, whether stray or domestic," the city administration added.
Source: www.gazeta.uz