The issue of free-roaming dogs is a complex socio-economic issue that involves many stakeholders and its solution is possible with the joint efforts of the whole society. The management of the dog population is not a single action and there are no quick and easy solutions, but it is a continuous process in which everyone should participate, it was said at the conference where the draft of the National strategy for dog population management in Serbia was presented.
The draft of the National strategy for the dog population management in the Republic of Serbia was prepared as part of the project “Reinforcement of Animal Health and welfare” and the working version of that document was presented at a national conference attended by domestic and international experts, a representative of the World Organization for the Protection of Animals (WOAH), representatives of civil society organizations dealing with animal protection and representatives of Veterinary Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management.
“The problem of abandoned dogs, on the one hand, threatens the welfare of dogs, and on the other hand, local governments provide large funds for compensation to citizens who have been bitten by abandoned dogs. The solutions to the problem lies in responsible ownership, marking of all dogs, adoption of abandoned dogs, and above all in raising citizens’ awareness that they should treat their pets responsibly and have control over their reproduction”, said the Head of the Animal welfare department at the Veterinary Directorate and Project Coordinator, Maja Andrijasevic.
Based on the collected data, national and international experts spoke about the cost analysis for dog population management, as well as the international standards of the World Organization for Animal Health for solving that problem. Key pillars of the Strategy and Action Plan for Dog Population Management were also presented and discussed with representatives of civil society organizations.
“The only place for a dog is next to its owner, that’s why owners have an important role in this topic. In general, a major change in public awareness is needed to promote responsible ownership throughout society and encourage the adoption of dogs from kennels. Dog population management must be humane, efficient and sustainable. In accordance with the Animal Welfare Law of Serbia, euthanasia is not morally acceptable tool of managing the dog population”, said animal welfare expert, Antonio Di Nardo.
The project „Reinforcement Animal health and welfare“supports the Veterinary Directorate of the Ministry of the Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management in harmonizing national legislation with the European Union and international standards in the field of animal health and welfare and biosecurity.