Uzbekistan is set to crack down on the growing "quadrobics" subculture, also known as the "furry movement”, following incidents in which teenagers dressed as dogs, cats or other animals have allegedly behaved aggressively to passersby.

Some media have reported that police in Tashkent are on the hunt for a dog "quadrober" accused of biting a person, but it is not clear that this is the case—it appears the story of the "bite" may just be an urban legend.

Nevertheless, Uzbekistan's Interior Ministry is far from happy about the spread of the furry movement in which teens identifying as cats, dogs and other animals, wear animal masks, ears, paws, tails and even animal body suits while imitating animal behaviour and sounds. Claims of violent or aggressive incidents involving quadrobers have multiplied. The crawling on all fours, meowing, purring, barking and howling, as well as requests to passersby for pats and strokes on the head and chin tickles, is not all innocent, it seems.   

The furry fandom originated in the 1980s. It has since gained popularity globally, with regional reports indicating that quadrobics has enjoyed a surge of interest of late in Uzbekistan, Russia and some other ex-Soviet states.

Furries particularly identify with anthropomorphic animals—creatures with human traits from films, video games and online communities. Participants often create animal avatars, ranging from mischievous foxes to aloof cats, and engage in social meetups. 

However, what once seemed like a harmless subculture is not surprisingly raising alarm in Uzbekistan as word of increasing violence associated with the craze spreads. Some onlookers, including children, are said to have been left frightened. 

The Interior Ministry is considering penalising parents of minors involved in aggressive "furry" behaviour. The proposed fine could reach UZS 1.875mn ($147).

Uzbek officials have expressed concern about potential psychological damage that could be caused to children by the subculture. Experts warn that identifying too closely with animal behaviour could impair a child’s mental health and social development and lead to aggression.

"Experts believe that 'quadrobics' can result in children adopting aggressive behaviours typical of animals, injuring themselves or others, and causing lasting harm to their mental development," the Interior Ministry said in a statement. 

It further emphasised parents' legal responsibility to ensure a proper upbringing and education for their offspring in line with Uzbekistan’s Constitution and Education Act.

The Interior Ministry statement, however, has drawn mixed reactions from the public. Some social media users and influencers criticised the government's focus on quadrobics, arguing that there are far more pressing issues that need immediate attention, such as frequent deadly road accidents and day to day violence against women and children. 

Conversely, some posted comments on social media back the government's stance, insisting that children above all must be shielded from the negative influences of the quadrobers.

Russian authorities have also been grappling with the growing popularity of quadrobics. Discussions of parental liability have been raised in the State Duma. 

According to the Times of Central Asia, some officials are even advocating for tougher penalties, with one Russian Orthodox priest suggesting that parents of quadrobers be stripped of their parental rights.

Reported cases of "quadrobic" aggression include an incident in California where a furry assaulted a man on Huntington Beach, as per Mail Online.

“This phenomenon has been observed among young people in Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. Unfortunately, similar unacceptable behaviour has also been noted in the city of Tashkent,” the statement from Interior Ministry of Uzbekistan noted.

The Uzbek government is now urging parents to monitor their children's involvement in the subculture and seek psychological help if necessary.