The Ministry of Internal Affairs has launched an investigation into animal burial sites

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has launched an investigation into footage circulating in connection with animal burial sites.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs told InterpressNews that an investigation had been launched under Article 259 of the Criminal Code, which covers the torture, cruel treatment or other forms of violence against animals.

As is known, animal rights activists and citizens will hold a protest rally outside the Government Administration at 6:30 p.m. today. The protesters are demanding an immediate end to animal cruelty, the punishment of those responsible, and the launch of a nationwide rabies vaccination campaign.

It should be recalled that on October 31, TV Pirveli released footage showing pits, animal burial sites and the remains of dogs. Following the release of the footage, animal rights activists launched a petition on social media, calling on law enforcement agencies to investigate the matter. The activists demanded that the remains undergo forensic examination to establish the causes of the animals' deaths.

Tbilisi City Hall dismissed as false the media reports concerning animal burial sites. According to the agency, claims that the Animal Monitoring Agency was carrying out the mass and deliberate killing of animals constituted a distortion of the facts.

“In the interests of the public, we would like to inform you that the video footage released by TV Pirveli depicts a process that is fully permitted by law. The designated burial site is intended for the disposal of the remains of dogs that have died for various reasons within the territory of Tbilisi. These include animals that have died from various diseases, road traffic accidents, other accidents, and natural causes.

Hundreds of animals die through euthanasia and thousands from natural causes across the capital each year,” the statement reads.