Is there a chance for the abandoned animals? Yes, with fines and a working Zoopolice
This article is created for the project “Efivos in Europe”
Authors: Fabiana Mitova and Patricia Danchova
Whether a society is civilized can be recognized based on its attitude towards homeless animals, the elderly, and the kids. In all three we are falling behind the expectations, and the examples are hundreds every day. Just for last year, the homeless dogs in Bulgaria are 35 020. This is based on statistics by the Integretionals System in the Bulgarian agency for food safety – VetIS for domestic and stray dogs in Bulgaria.
European laws, for example, require mandatory registration of all pets in the EU, while Bulgarian legislation contains controversial texts on this issue – reference, the Law on Veterinary Activities.
Homeless animals are either an annoying or heart-wrenching topic. Every day we see more and more animals left to the mercy of fate on the streets. And while some people’s hearts only break, others consider the homeless animals a serious problem.
The poor stray animals have nowhere to go or anyone to care for them. Unfortunately, shelters can no longer cope with their large numbers. Abandoned four-legged creatures often become victims of diseases or human cruelty.
Many foundations organize campaigns, initiate projects, and support the establishment of shelters. Dealing with the problem is not easy and cannot be achieved in one day. It probably takes years to be resolved.
One of the most logical solutions, if we are not sure whether we can take care of a pet or maybe we are not ready to take care of an animal, is simply not to get an animal at home. And to not allow breeding if we do not have the ability to take care of and find homes for the offspring. All in all, to be more responsible.
In any case, it is time for a change, a real one. Not a change in mindset, because that is impossible. There is no way to achieve it even with the existing regulatory framework. The change must come with strict control, serious fines, and criminal liability. And a law must include a mandatory provision requiring owners of registered pets to spay/neuter the animals in their first year. Part of the possible good scenario for solving the problem is the establishment of a Bulgarian Animal Police.
The article was created as part of the CERV Efivos project in Europe. EFIVOS II program is funded by the European Commission (CERV), with partners Network Children’s Rights (Greece), CIP (Cyprus), HESED (Bulgaria), GEYC (Romania), Dedalus (Italy), Pacto Verde (Spain), Crossing Borders (Denmark).The support of the European Commission for the preparation of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the content.
The publication reflects only the views of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use of the information contained therein.
