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Lasha Avaliani: “Allegations that animals are being burned alive are unacceptable, and anyone making such claims must provide evidence. The relevant authorities should also investigate why this information was spread as if it were a fact”
“Allegations that animals are being burned alive are unacceptable, and anyone making such claims must provide evidence to support them,” stated Mr. Lasha Avaliani, Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that reports claiming stray dogs were transported at the Intermunicipal Stray Animal Management shelter in Gori, under the National Food Agency’s supervision, are false and appear intended to mislead the public.
“Some videos presented false claims as if they were facts. Measures involving domestic animals were carried out in Kakheti and Imereti regions, and a separate team began operations in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, with the first activity conducted only in the Zugdidi municipality in cooperation with the local Mayor. I would emphasize that the National Food Agency has not entered any other regions or municipalities, nor has it transported animals to any other shelters,” Mr. Avaliani stated.
The Deputy clarified that there has been no movement of Agency vehicles or entry into shelters in the Shida Kartli region, a fact that can be easily verified, including through video surveillance. The Deputy Minister urged relevant authorities to investigate the matter.
“ I urge anyone who claims that such an incident occurred and has video evidence to release it publicly. This can be easily verified, and the appropriate authorities must take an interest. Allegations that animals are being burned alive are unacceptable, and anyone making such claims must provide evidence to support them.
Relevant authorities also need to investigate why this information was spread as fact. As of today, the National Food Agency has no connection to the shelter in the Shida Kartli region. The only thing I have observed is smoke from the incinerator, which is used to burn waste, including animal waste generated after operations,” the Deputy Minister concluded.