Kazan residents have started to complain less about stray animals.

      The number of complaints about stray animals in the capital of Tatarstan has decreased by 43% over five years. In 2021, there were 6,853 reports, while by the end of 2025, there were only 3,919. This was reported by Igor Kulyazhev, the deputy head of the city executive committee, at a business Monday meeting in the city hall. According to him, the number of bites has also decreased by a third: from 1,971 to 1,433 cases. The mandatory dog registration system has had a significant effect – about 10,500 animals have received microchips and been entered into the state database. Of these, 9,541 dogs were registered in 2025, and another 963 since the beginning of 2026. This measure allows for quicker returns of lost pets to their owners and holds accountable those who abandon animals on the streets. Veterinary work is also being carried out. In 2025, nearly 19,000 animals were vaccinated against rabies for free, and another 6,786 were sterilized. The process continues in 2026: more than 4,600 vaccinations have already been done. Special attention is given to finding homes for animals. Over the year, 1,187 pets found a home – 610 cats and 577 dogs: they found new owners at regular city festivals and exhibitions. Funding for this area is also increasing. In 2026, 42.5 million rubles from the Tatarstan budget will be allocated for work with animals, of which 40.6 million will go to the maintenance of dogs at the "Zoo Center" shelter. In addition, there is a grant program called "Paw of Friendship" with a fund of 2.3 million rubles: the city supports initiatives from activists – from animal protection to canine therapy to help children with developmental disabilities.

      Photo: © Mikhail Zakharov / "Tatar-inform"