The Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare refers to the increase in incidents of animal abandonment despite the tireless efforts of the authorities and volunteers on the occasion of April 4th - World Stray Animals Day and calls on all citizens, organizations, and services to work together so that the day arrives when the word "stray" will be just a word, and not a reality.
In the announcement, the Commissioner's Office notes that the issue of stray animals is complex and is exacerbated by the lack of infrastructure, limited resources, poor implementation of legislation and indifference or ignorance on the part of a portion of citizens.
Pointing out that "the responsibility for animal welfare belongs to all of us", he adds that citizens, organized groups, such as hunters, animal welfare organizations, dog and cat lovers, breeders, but also the state and local government, "we all have our role and share of responsibility".
Substantial change can begin collectively and end with citizens with responsible and active participation, he further states and cites suggestions for active participation of citizens in addressing the problem, such as choosing to adopt an animal from a shelter instead of buying a pet, sterilization of pets and domesticated/semi-domesticated animals, issuing a health certificate, a possession permit issued by the competent authority, a registration and permanent marking certificate.
It also recommends taking the right measures to prevent our animal from leaving or getting lost, both for its own protection and that of our fellow citizens, offering temporary shelter to stray animals, active support, through voluntary or financial donations to animal welfare organizations, shelters and temporary care facilities, informing the Animal Police or Veterinary Services of incidents of abuse or abandonment and injury to animals, informing children about the importance of respect for animals, taking measures so that animals do not cause a nuisance, such as continuous and intense barking, cleaning up their excrement when they are taken out for a walk, as a simple act of respect for everyone, and not allowing them to roam uncontrollably in public spaces or on other people's property without a leash.
Furthermore, the Office of the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare states that it has taken initiatives and continues its efforts to accelerate the procedures for the creation of regional facilities for the temporary care of stray dogs, is working to develop strategies and mechanisms that will lead to the elimination of the phenomenon of animal abandonment, to the control of their uncontrolled reproduction through the promotion of sterilization of pets, both owned and non-owned animals, to the termination of their illegal trade, to universal marking and the issuance of possession permits.
Finally, it states that it maintains contact with animal welfare organizations, shelters, organized groups and individuals, listens to their experiences and opinions and tries to find solutions, while the Office of the Environmental Commissioner highlights the need to change mindsets and strengthen the animal welfare culture, promoting targeted proposals for the protection and well-being of animals, both stray and not.
Source: KYPE
