ANIMAL PEOPLE is the leading independent newspaper providing original investigative coverage of animal protection worldwide. Founded in 1992, ANIMAL PEOPLE has no alignment or affiliation with any other entity. |
This site built and maintained by: GREANVILLE ASSOCIATESand CRESCENT COMMUNICATIONS •Rev. 12.1.05 Copyright ANIMAL PEOPLE, INC. 1992--2006
 |
 |
ESSENTIAL DESTINATIONS
|
MONTH: July-August 2007
Animal control reform in Kyiv
KYIV--Kyiv mayor Leonid
Chernovetskyi on July 4, 2007 announced at a public hearing that was broadcast
on live television that he had fired city animal control director Myron
Kuchynskyi for cruelty to animals and multiple counts of veterinary and
financial misconduct.
"This announcement was wildly applauded
by those present--300-plus persons," SOS Ukraine founder and television
journalist Tamara Tarnavska told ANIMAL PEOPLE.
"The number of telephone calls to
the TV station and ratings of the program were overwhelming," Tarnavska
continued.
Encouraged by the response, Chernovetskyi
and vice mayor Irena Kilchytska at a second public hearing held on July
11, also broadcast live, endorsed a mass animal sterilization program,
adding a sterilization clinic to the municipal shelter in Borodianka,
and opening a shelter with 30 to 50 kennels in every district of the city.
"After 15 years of battling with
the functionaries," Tarnavska said, "animal defenders were able
to demand publication of realistic data as to how many animals were being
destroyed, and how much money this is costing the city budget. Under pressure
from civic animal rights organizations, the city administration conducted
a serious audit" of the Kyiv animal control program, which confirmed
multiple alleged violations of Ukrainian law, including use of a paralytic
drug to kill impounded animals.
Kyiv animal advocates have proposed introducing
a neuter/return program for feral cats and street dogs, at least until
the entire city is served by shelters. "At this time the proposal
is under review," Tarnawska said.