MOSCOW, April 17 - RAPSI. On Tuesday the State Duma approved amendments to the Administrative Offences Code which introduce fines for pet owners, in particular for walking dogs on childrens playgrounds or for keeping too many cats.

The fines have been approved in the first reading at 500 to 1,000 rubles ($16-$32) for private individuals and 1,000 to 3,000 rubles ($96) for officials.

If the said violations lead to health or property damages, the fine will be 1,000-3,000 rubles for private individuals and 5,000 to 10,000 rubles ($130-$320) for officials.

The bill was submitted by the Ivanovo Region's legislature. The regional government introduced fines for pet owners several years ago, and 361 people were brought to administrative liability in 2010 and 671 in January-November 2011. However, according to the Supreme Court, meting out punishment to pet owners is a federal responsibility.