Kittens are rented out in Odesa: two animals died from a controversial business.

According to ТСН: In Odesa, a conflict has escalated over the opening of a new establishment, Cat Lounge, in the 'Athens' shopping center, where you can rent kittens for money. Animal rights activists claim that through such practice, two animals have already died.

Local residents turned to the publication 'Dumska' asking to check the conditions of animal welfare in this 'cat cafe'.

Inspection of the establishment

Representatives of the Ecology Department of the Odesa City Council and a state veterinarian visited the establishment in response to complaints from Odesans. During the inspection, they requested documents on the vaccination of the cats, but the establishment staff were unable to show them.

Moreover, it became known that there are no facilities to wash hands before and after contact with the cats, which, according to journalists, increases health risks for both guests and animals.

The veterinarian noted that constant contact with a large number of people in a confined space could cause chronic stress in cats.

Responses from the establishment

A staff member of the establishment confirmed that there are always 12 cats here with which visitors can interact after payment. The inspection was not completed as the inspectors left the establishment due to refusal to be filmed.

Animal rights activist Snezana Buhryk posted several videos from the inspection of the 'cat cafe' on her

Facebook

In one of the videos, a conversation with the owner of the establishment, who introduced himself as Roman, is featured. He accused animal defenders of trying to destroy small business, stating:

'We have support – Mr. Yermak, Mr. Zelensky'

Snezana Buhryk also published a video in which a staff member promotes the rental of animals, offering to take a cat home for play for 500 UAH a day for those still hesitating about getting a pet. She also confirmed that two animals from this establishment had already died, emphasizing:

'These businessmen should answer in court for the abuse and death of animals'

It is worth noting that recently the police in Ivano-Frankivsk received a report from residents who found two stray dogs near the city lake that were having convulsions.

This situation highlights the need for close attention to the conditions of animal care in establishments where they are used for entertainment. It is important to ensure not only the welfare of the animals but also the safety of visitors, as the health of all participants in the process should be a priority.