The concept of animal welfare in Europe is not merely a matter of compassion; it is accepted as a social value and state responsibility. There, the attitude towards animals is not left to the "conscience of the owner" but is regulated systematically. An animal is a living being, and its welfare is considered an indicator of the cultural level of society. This approach begins from school, municipality, the legal system, and everyday life. People's relationship with animals is not a personal choice but a social norm of behavior.
In Europe, pets are not items sold on the street. Where they were born, who keeps them, under what conditions they are raised, and which vaccinations they have received are all visible within the system. The animal’s health, psychological state, and living conditions are within the state's sphere of interest. Street sales, distribution of dogs and cats from cars, undocumented buying and selling are both completely prohibited and result in severe penalties. For this reason, the problem of stray animals in Europe does not get out of control because irresponsible ownership is impossible.
In Azerbaijan, however, the picture is completely different. The issue of animal welfare mostly exists at an emotional level. When someone cruelly treats an animal, a brief wave of protest arises on social networks, then everything returns to its previous course. Puppies sold on the streets, unvaccinated animals, sales from cars, and living beings kept in unsanitary conditions in markets are accepted as common occurrences. In Azerbaijan, animals are often regarded as "property," "entertainment," or "toys for children."
The problem of stray animals in Azerbaijan is precisely the result of this outlook. People buy animals but do not realize their responsibility, and when the animals grow up, get sick, or when they "get tired" of them, they are abandoned on the street. The state has not been able to establish a system that breaks this cycle. As a result, both animals suffer and people do as well.
The main question arises here: what is the difference? What is lacking that animal welfare in Azerbaijan is in this state?
The issue is not only the absence of laws. Formally, norms related to animals exist in Azerbaijan. The problem is that these norms do not work. Animal welfare in Europe is built on three main pillars: specific legislation, active control, and inevitable punishment. When even one of these three does not function, the system begins to collapse.
In Europe, a license is required for animal sales. Not everyone can sell animals wherever they want. The seller registers, is inspected, and their activity is documented. Animals are identified by microchips, and sales without a vaccination passport are not possible. Control is not only on paper but also real inspections are conducted by municipalities, veterinary services, and the police. When violations are detected, the fines are not symbolic; they entail serious financial and legal consequences. Most importantly, society accepts these rules as normal and does not tolerate violations.
In Azerbaijan, existing institutions are present, but their activities are either passive or fragmented. The State Veterinary Service, under the Ministry of Agriculture, mainly focuses on agricultural animals; the issue of pets remains in the background. The Food Safety Agency deals with animal-origin products, but the environment for selling live animals is effectively uncontrolled. Local executive authorities and municipalities either reject the issue of stray animals citing lack of funds or claiming, "it is not within our authority." The police often do not regard these matters as public safety problems.
In other words, institutions exist, but there is no unified system. There is neither coordination nor clarity in the division of responsibilities. In this void, street sales become normalized, and lack of oversight becomes customary.
To change the situation in Azerbaijan, it is necessary not to mechanically copy Europe but to apply its basic principles. First of all, animal sales must be licensed, and street sales must be explicitly prohibited. Minimum welfare standards for pets should be established, and those who do not comply with these standards should face real penalties. Microchipping and registration systems can be implemented gradually, but this process should not remain only on paper.
The more important issue is the public approach. The topic of animal welfare should not be only the problem of volunteers and activists. Government agencies must take a clear position, supervision must be visible, and society must understand that the attitude towards animals is actually an attitude towards oneself.
Because how animals are treated is a mirror of how ready a country is for law, responsibility, and compassion. Europe does not hesitate to look into this mirror. Azerbaijan, however, is still searching for excuses not to look.
Shahane Nasirli
