MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on responsible treatment of animals, which outlaws all forms of cruelty to animals and establishes rules of pet ownership, according to documents uploaded to the official online database of Russian legislative information on Thursday.

The law was introduced to the lower chamber of the Russian parliament, the State Duma, in 2010 and took eight years to be passed. The law contains the basic principles of pet ownership, based on responsible, ethical and humane treatment of animals.

It also streamlines the rights and responsibilities of federal, regional and municipal authorities on the issue of pet ownership.

The law establishes rules of ownership and use of animals, and of their protection against cruel treatment. Besides, it outlaws the propaganda of cruel treatment of animals and sets forth requirements for ownership of pets and service animals, as well as for their use in cultural and entertaining events.

Bans and restrictions

The new law prohibits "free and uncontrolled movement of animals in areas with road traffic, in lifts and other areas of common use in residential buildings, as well as in yards, recreational areas, playgrounds and sporting rounds. From now on, owners are obliged to clean the waste left by their pet in those areas. Municipal authorities now have the right to prohibit animal walks in certain zones.

The document also stipulates that dogs of potentially dangerous breeds can take walks only in a muzzle and on a leash. The only exception is when a dog walks on a restricted territory belonging to its owner and marked with a warning sign. The list of those dangerous breeds will be compiled by the Russian government.

The law also defines the legal status of animal shelters and sets rules for establishing, keeping and using them.

From now on, the capturing of stray animals must be recorded on cameras and information about them must be made public.

The document also outlaws petting zoos, animal fights as well as keeping animals in bars and restaurants.