A reality that often remains hidden
Georgia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and hospitable people. At the same time, countless stray dogs and cats live in towns, villages, along country roads and on abandoned land.
The situation in Georgia
Puppies and kittens are particularly at risk.
Some were born on the street; others once had a home and were abandoned because they grew bigger, older or sick, or were no longer wanted. Puppies and kittens are particularly at risk: hunger, cold, infectious diseases, parasites, traffic accidents and violence threaten their lives.
Among the fundamental challenges are the abandonment of animals and their uncontrolled breeding. Laws alone are not enough. What is needed is effective enforcement, accessible neutering, education and responsible pet ownership.
We meet dogs that have been kept on short chains for years, injured animals without treatment and abandoned young animals. Large dogs, including Caucasian Shepherds, are often especially hard to rehome. Some are kept in unsuitable conditions or fall victim to abuse and dog fighting.
Sustainable animal welfare must not only ease the consequences but also tackle the causes: through prevention, education, neutering and responsibility.
State and municipal shelters
When animals suffer where they should be protected
One of the most painful experiences of our work is that we have witnessed serious animal welfare problems not only on the street but also in facilities of the state and municipal shelter system.
An animal brought to a shelter should find a dry, clean place there, food, water, medical care and protection from infectious diseases. Our own observations show that this is not always guaranteed.
Gori, October 2026
In October 2026 we visited the municipal shelter in Gori. What we saw there was among the most harrowing experiences of our many years of work: hundreds of puppies, wet and cold floors, animals in inadequate conditions, mother dogs with newborns on cold ground, and one dead dog.
It was especially painful to see these conditions in a municipal facility that is actually responsible for protecting the animals.
We took several dogs out of the shelter, including very young puppies. Some were diagnosed with parvovirus. They needed intensive veterinary care and constant attention. Sadly, we were unable to save one of the little puppies.
It is not always possible to determine exactly where an animal became infected. All the more important are hygiene, isolation, infection control and timely treatment in every facility.
We do not claim that all state or municipal shelters operate under the same conditions. Our direct experience in Gori, however, shows why we call for transparent inspections and consistent compliance with animal welfare standards.
