Concerns over excessive numbers of pets in apartment buildings – often accompanied by noise and unpleasant odors – have sparked public debate in Baku.
Recent social media posts claimed that new limits were being introduced, allowing residents to keep no more than one dog and two cats per household.
So what does the law actually say?
According to lawyer Rashid Jafarov, speaking to Bizim.Media, these limits are legally grounded. Under the Code of Administrative Offenses of Azerbaijan, residents may keep one dog or two cats in multi-apartment buildings.
Exceeding this limit constitutes an administrative violation, punishable by a fine of 200 manats.
The rules governing pet ownership are defined by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 38, adopted on March 9, 2011. The regulation outlines conditions for keeping pets, the rights and obligations of owners, and the framework for veterinary and sanitary oversight by local executive authorities.
Owners are required to ensure that their animals do not cause inconvenience to neighbors and that they maintain proper hygiene and public health standards. Apartments housing large dog breeds must display a warning sign with the image of a dog and the words “Dangerous Animal.”
Compliance with these rules is monitored by the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) in cooperation with local executive authorities.
