The law on responsible treatment of animals, which introduced a number of innovations, came into force in Belarus on 1 January 2025. «One of the key points is the recognition of animals as beings capable of feeling. This is a significant step, as animals are now legally considered sentient beings. Based on this fundamental principle, the rights and obligations of owners are defined. In particular, owners are required to meet the physiological needs of their pets, including providing food, water, exercise, and walks. The law also clarifies that excessive physical exertion is not permitted, except for animals bred specifically for that purpose, for example, service dogs, which do bear greater workloads. In such cases, the owner must maintain a balance,» Nadezhda Sevruk said.

According to the deputy head, owners are responsible for the safety of their animals, as well as for the safety of people and property (both private and public) around them. «This means that owners must provide adequate conditions for walking and keeping their pets to ensure safety not only for themselves but also for other animals and people. This provision defines the owner’s area of responsibility,» she added.

The new law has given the concept of walking animals a broader meaning. «Today, walking is not limited to being on a designated area. It is now considered walking in any place where the owner is with their pet outside its permanent residence. If you leave your apartment with a dog, that is already considered walking. The obligation to clean up after one’s pet has been established. You don’t have to wait until you reach a designated walking area, especially since one is not always nearby. If something happens, after all, it is a living being, the owner must ensure immediate cleanup. They must have all the necessary means to do so at all times,» she said.