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Why are there so many stray dogs in Georgia, and are they dangerous?

Ear tags, sterilisation and how to behave around dogs.

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Short answer

Georgia has many stray dogs because they are traditionally not culled: municipal services sterilise, vaccinate and ear-tag them, then release them back. Most of these dogs are calm and friendly and are fed by locals. Danger is rare, usually at night when dogs gather in packs and guard their territory.

Kupata: The Story of a Batumi Stray Who Became Famous Around the World faq-cover-pets.png

Why

  1. An ear tag means the dog has been sterilised and vaccinated against rabies.
  2. In Tbilisi, stray animals are managed by the City Hall's animal monitoring service.
  3. Aggressive dogs or attacks can be reported to the city service or to 112.

Details

Don't run from dogs or wave your arms; walk past calmly. If a dog follows you, it is usually just escorting you, but don't touch or pick up unfamiliar dogs. Cyclists and runners should stick to lit streets at night.

Tip

Don't feed or pet dogs in packs, and don't run from them; just walk calmly past.

What may differ

Common misconception

All street dogs in Georgia are rabid and dangerous.

What actually happens

Many are vaccinated and sterilised, with ear tags, and are usually calm around people.

People also ask

  • Why are there so many stray dogs in Tbilisi?

Sources

Information checked on October 3, 2026.

Kupata: The Story of a Batumi Stray Who Became Famous Around the World
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