Bulgaria joins marking of World Stray Animals Day on August 19

published on 8/19/23 12:06 PM

Shelter for homeless dogs in Veliki Preslav

Photo: Animal Hope Bulgaria-Veliki Preslav

On August 19, it is World Stray Animals Day, BTA informs. Initiated by the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR), the day has been celebrated since 1992, on the third Saturday in August, with the aim of drawing public attention to the plight of stray and abandoned animals and the role of pet owners in preventing of uncontrolled cultivation and their disposal on the street.

People should not pass by stray animals, but should show care and help them, be it with food or water, notes Dr. Nadezhda Mecheva, head of the veterinary clinic for stray animals of the Four Paws foundation in Bankya.

The foundation also has two mobile clinics that travel around the country organizing castration campaigns. At the clinic in Bankya, stray animals can be treated for free, as well as castrated and vaccinated, as the clinic has a contract with Sofia Municipality.

According to the law, Bulgarian municipalities are responsible for stray animals on their territory. At the beginning of 2023 the Municipality of Sofia organizes a campaign "Homeless or Home? The Key is in You' to encourage adoption of animals from shelters and conservation organizations.

Recently, the Four Paws foundation presented an online platform - "Shelter Academy" for free training, which aims to encourage and facilitate the process of adopting animals from shelters.

Each animal requires specific care and adoption should not be a hasty and impulsive decision, Dr. Mecheva says. It is important to realize that the commitment that the owners make to the pet is long-term.

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