One of the most significant and unresolved problems in Tbilisi—and almost all of Georgia—is the issue of stray animals, particularly dogs. They can be found everywhere: in the capital’s central districts, neighborhoods, and even on highways. According to specialists, Tbilisi has the highest number of stray dogs in all of Europe. Society has already grown accustomed to this reality. In fact, it is common for people to feed these dogs and keep them near their homes, which often irritates other residents. Even tourists feed them, and while many people find this situation uncomfortable, others advocate for animal rights.
This situation creates several problems, one of the most significant being dog feces in public spaces. Stray dogs cannot use restrooms, so the streets are full of excrement.
The fact is that there are far too many dogs in Tbilisi, and this situation cannot continue indefinitely.
Tbilisi: The City of Dogs
Dogs are present in every district and every public space—at bus stops, in shops, cafes, and restaurants, near theaters, on sidewalks, at playgrounds, schools, kindergartens, building entrances, and even in the metro (why do large, wolf-like dogs even need to be in the metro?). Some have even managed to board buses. They roam everywhere humans go.
And there are a lot of them. They often defend their territory and do not allow other dogs to enter. This means that whenever an “intruder” dog appears, a group of local dogs starts barking and attacking it. Meanwhile, children, the elderly, and even young people pass by, many of whom find this, at best, unpleasant and, at worst, terrifying.
Winter brings additional challenges: the dogs are cold, hungry, and often more aggressive.
There is not a single street, not even a 50-100 meter stretch, where you can walk peacefully without encountering at least one stray dog.
Tbilisi’s title as “the city of the sun and roses” is fading—it has become more like “the city of dogs.”
The Problem Will Be Solved Soon
Giorgi Kobiashvili
Director of the Animal Monitoring Agency
The current situation is far from satisfactory. There is a high number of stray animals in Tbilisi. According to the most recent data, a year and a half ago, about 30,000 stray dogs were in the capital. A plan and strategy have been developed to bring this number down to zero. The goal is to create appropriate infrastructure. The stray dogs will be removed, and only safe animals will be returned to the streets. This problem will be resolved soon. However, similar measures must also be taken in other cities to prevent migration. We actively communicate with regional authorities and support them as much as possible.
Population control projects are already in progress, and the number of captured dogs has increased. So far, 6,000 operations have been performed, and this year, we expect to double that number.
In short, our goal is to resolve this issue in the near future.
Are Stray Dogs Dangerous?
The presence of so many stray animals on the streets leads to numerous problems, including traffic accidents. Aggressive animals must be relocated, and disease prevention measures must be taken. A 24-hour hotline is available, and citizens should report cases to 112. If necessary, the service will transport the animal to a shelter, where specialists will observe it.
It should also be noted that many people do not know how to interact appropriately with animals, which sometimes provokes aggression. We conduct campaigns to raise public awareness and encourage responsibility. However, human safety remains our priority.
How Did European Cities Solve This Issue?
In developed European cities, where animal rights (and human rights) are well protected, stray animals are practically nonexistent.
The first step was passing laws that protected pet rights. Abandoning an animal was punishable by sanctions, which were strictly enforced. One of the main sources of stray animals is abandoned pets.
Additionally, illegal breeders are a significant factor. Some people breed dogs for sale, which also contributes to the problem.
In Europe, pet owners have strict obligations. They face high fines and, in some cases, even imprisonment. These laws are rigorously enforced.
Georgia also needs similar legislation. Parliament is expected to start working on this soon, and a draft law has already been created. Our agency is ready to implement it. We are cooperating with NGOs and government institutions.
How Long Will It Take to Solve the Problem?
There is an animal shelter in Varketili, but more are needed to provide suitable living conditions for the animals. Shelters should not be enclosed spaces but well-equipped environments. This year, a fully operational shelter will be available.
We expect this problem to be fully resolved within 2-3 years.
What Is the Solution?
The solution includes a legislative framework, restrictions on uncontrolled breeding, accountability for pet owners, large-scale sterilization, and castration. These measures will lead to the desired outcome—cleaner streets with fewer stray animals.
The Most Important Reform: From Animal Abuse to Care
Salome Sarishvili
Animal Rights Activist
“The problem of stray animals, especially dogs—caring for them, adopting them, and ensuring their welfare—has remained one of Georgia’s most significant challenges for many years.
However, when discussing this issue, we must acknowledge not only the government’s irresponsible approach but also the role of civil society, which could do more within its capabilities (both financially and in terms of human resources). Some efforts are being made, but they are insufficient.
The situation is even worse in the regions where stray animals flood the streets and highways. In Tbilisi, for years, the municipal government has failed to implement mass sterilization programs that would have at least prevented the animals from multiplying.
Animal lovers are emotionally and physically overwhelmed by the scale of the problem, while the state has no shelters to care for these loyal, four-legged friends.
Serious problems exist within the city’s Animal Monitoring Agency, which, instead of finding long-term solutions, often administers expired medications to captured animals and then releases them back onto the streets. This highlights the state’s negligent approach.
The issue is so massive that it frequently results in the loss of animal lives. This was especially evident during recent harsh winter conditions when many stray animals simply froze to death.
Additionally, some people are simply intolerant of animals, whether due to fear or personal preferences, which leads to cases of animal abuse. In response, stray animals often become aggressive.
There is much to discuss regarding this issue, but the most critical step is reforming state policies to prioritize care over cruelty.”
A New Stray Animal Population Control Center
At the end of December, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced the opening of a new, modern center for managing the stray animal population on municipal shelter grounds.
“The center is ready to serve the capital 24/7. The project will allow us to relocate more animals to shelters for sterilization and castration, the only proven humane and effective method for reducing the number of stray animals worldwide,” said the mayor.
The project includes individual enclosures, a laboratory, an operating room, a post-surgery area, and other necessary infrastructure. The new center is separate from existing shelter facilities, and only animals undergoing sterilization or castration will be transferred there.
Public Opinions
Fortuna interviewed residents, most of whom are skeptical about the presence of so many stray animals on the streets.
Malkhaz:
“In one word—catastrophe. Parks, new buses, and other developments are great, but until this problem is resolved, Tbilisi will never be a comfortable or fully developed city.”
Mari:
“People should take care of their pets. ‘Don’t be afraid, it won’t bite’—what does that even mean? Keep your dogs on a leash. You can’t walk down the street normally anymore. You have to expect trouble every time you step outside. I feel like nothing will ever change.”
Nanu:
“Protecting animal rights does not mean letting them roam the streets hungry, sick, and dangerous to the public. They need more than a single vaccine—they need sterilization to prevent uncontrolled breeding. At this rate, soon, there will be more dogs than people in Tbilisi.”
