L'articolo OIPA ETS addresses Turkish authorities on the welfare of stray dogs proviene da OIPA.

Across Europe and beyond, many stray dogs and cats continue to face abandonment, inadequate access to veterinary care, poor shelter conditions and, in some contexts, the risk of being killed instead of being protected through long-term and humane population-management strategies.

European Citizens’ Initiative ECI(2026)000003 – “EU initiative to protect stray dogs, stray cats and animals in shelters in the EU/non-EU countries” was launched to bring these concerns to the attention of the European institutions and to call for stronger action at EU level.

The European Commission partially registered the initiative on 10 February 2026, allowing the collection of statements of support for those objectives that fall within the competences of the European Union.

In particular, the initiative calls for EU action concerning animal shelters housing cats and dogs when those shelters participate in the Union market, as well as measures addressing the use of animals for scientific purposes, including stray and shelter animals.

It also seeks stronger animal-welfare safeguards in the European Union’s relations with third countries. The organisers are asking for minimum standards for the protection of stray dogs and cats to be considered in international trade or association agreements and for access to EU funding to be made conditional on compliance with such standards.

At the heart of the initiative is the call for a more sustainable and humane approach to stray animal management.

Neutering and vaccination programmes, access to veterinary care, safe accommodation and responsible adoption are essential tools for addressing stray animal populations. However, individual measures cannot work in isolation. Sterilising an animal, for example, cannot provide lasting protection if that same animal may later be captured, confined in unsuitable conditions or killed.

Effective protection requires long-term strategies combining prevention, veterinary care, responsible shelter management, monitoring and lasting safeguards for animals once they are removed from the streets.

The situation in Romania

Among the cases highlighted by the organisers is the situation in Romania, including that of the Golești facility.

According to information shared with OIPA  by the organisers of the initiative, 28 dogs were killed at the Golești facility on 10 February 2026 and another 22 dogs on 11 February.

In the months that followed, animal rescuers worked to save as many remaining dogs as possible. According to the initiative’s rescue coordination team, approximately 227 dogs had been rescued by the end of September 2026.

The organisers, together with Tierversuchsgegner e. V., also report having provided financial support for veterinary treatment, accommodation, care and rescue activities.

These figures have been communicated to OIPA International by the organisers and the organisations involved in the rescue effort.

The case illustrates a broader concern: managing stray animal populations cannot rely only on emergency interventions. Sustainable solutions require prevention, long-term protection, effective animal-welfare standards and adequate systems of care.

Why EU action matters

The European Citizens’ Initiative also draws attention to the role that European policies, funding and international cooperation can play in promoting better standards for animal protection.

Within the areas where the European Union has the legal competence to act, the initiative seeks to ensure that EU mechanisms contribute to better protection rather than allowing practices that may expose stray and shelter animals to avoidable suffering.

Linking EU funding and international cooperation to minimum, verifiable standards could encourage more sustainable approaches based on prevention, veterinary assistance and responsible management.

The initiative also asks the European institutions to address the use of stray and shelter animals for scientific purposes, another area specifically included among the objectives accepted for registration by the European Commission.

Citizens can make their voices heard

A European Citizens’ Initiative is an official EU instrument that allows citizens to invite the European Commission to consider proposing legislation in areas where the European Union has the power to act.

To be submitted successfully to the Commission, an initiative must collect at least one million valid statements of support, while also reaching the required minimum thresholds in at least seven EU Member States.

If these requirements are met, the European Commission must formally examine the initiative and provide an official response on the action it intends to take.

OIPA  therefore invites European citizens to learn more about ECI(2026)000003 and, if they share its objectives, to support the initiative through the official European Citizens’ Initiative platform.

Protecting stray dogs, stray cats and animals in shelters requires long-term commitment, responsible policies and solutions based on prevention, care and effective animal-welfare safeguards.

Stray and shelter animals need lasting protection, not temporary solutions.

SUPPORT THE INITIATIVE

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Sign and share the initiative to help bring stronger protection for stray dogs, stray cats and animals in shelters onto the European agenda.

L'articolo Protect stray dogs and cats: support European Citizens’ Initiative ECI(2026)000003 proviene da OIPA.

Over recent weeks, OIPA has received and cross-checked audiovisual material, testimonies and information from multiple local sources and animal-welfare organizations active in Jordan.

The documentation available to OIPA indicates that a significant, although difficult-to-quantify, number of dogs are living across a vast desert area where access to water, food and routine veterinary assistance is extremely limited.

Particular concern has been raised by reports suggesting that free-roaming dogs may have been removed from urban and residential areas and transported to remote locations.

OIPA has therefore asked the Jordanian authorities to clarify whether such relocations form part of any officially authorised dog-population management policy, which authorities are responsible for them and under which legal, veterinary and animal-welfare framework they are carried out.

Another major concern relates to access to water. According to information received by OIPA, attempts had been made to establish a more stable water supply for the dogs in Safawi, but the installation was reportedly required to be removed. OIPA has requested official clarification on the circumstances surrounding this decision and has urged the authorities to facilitate safe access to drinking water for the animals currently present in the area.

Humane and sustainable solutions are needed

OIPA fully recognises the complexity of managing free-roaming dog populations and the need to protect communities from rabies, zoonotic diseases and other public-safety concerns.

However, moving animals to remote areas where their basic needs cannot be guaranteed risks exposing them to dehydration, starvation, disease and preventable suffering, while failing to address the causes of the problem.

For this reason, OIPA is calling for a One Health approach, combining public health, animal health and environmental considerations.

The organization is encouraging the expansion of humane and sustainable measures including rabies vaccination, sterilisation, veterinary care, epidemiological surveillance, responsible ownership, prevention of abandonment and cooperation with local communities and animal-welfare organizations.

Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return programmes are already being implemented by animal-welfare organizations in parts of Jordan, despite limited resources, demonstrating the importance of investing in preventive and long-term population-management strategies.

OIPA has asked the competent authorities to review the reported relocations, ensure that dogs are not transferred to areas where their basic welfare needs cannot be met, guarantee reliable access to water and emergency assistance, and strengthen vaccination, sterilisation and veterinary programmes.

OIPA International remains available for constructive dialogue with Jordanian authorities and relevant stakeholders to support humane, evidence-based and sustainable solutions capable of protecting public health, community safety and animal welfare together.

Read OIPA International’s full official letter to the Jordanian authorities:
[READ THE LETTER]

L'articolo Jordan: OIPA Raises Concerns Over Free-Roaming Dogs in the Safawi Desert proviene da OIPA.

The documentation received by OIPA includes official municipal notices, public communications and supporting material concerning operations reported during 2025 and 2026 in municipalities located in the provinces of Tizi Ouzou, Bejaia, Boumerdes, Ouargla, Relizane, Tiaret, M’Sila, Ain Temouchent, Chlef and Khenchela.

Among the documents examined by OIPA, particular concern has been raised by an official notice issued in Ait Mahmoud, Tizi Ouzou Province, covering the period from 13 July to 13 August 2026. The notice explicitly refers to the killing of stray dogs and cats through a chemical method, namely poisoning.

Other municipal communications document operations carried out during nighttime hours and include instructions to residents to keep owned dogs and cats confined while the interventions take place.

In Chechar, Khenchela Province, an official municipal health notice scheduled repeated operations for 28 July and 4, 11 and 18 August 2026, between approximately 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. The communication also refers to the participation of a local hunting association, asks residents to report areas where stray animals are present and advises owners to secure their animals during the operations.

A further official communication issued by Khenchela Municipality on 9 August 2026 invited residents to identify locations where stray animals could be found, announcing that an intervention would take place during the same night.

Public health and animal welfare must be addressed together

OIPA fully recognises the responsibility of public authorities to protect communities from rabies and other zoonotic diseases and to respond effectively to the challenges associated with free-roaming dog populations.

However, repeated lethal campaigns do not address the underlying causes of stray-animal populations and cannot replace long-term prevention, veterinary care and responsible population-management strategies.

For this reason, OIPA is urging the Algerian authorities to move towards a comprehensive One Health approach, recognising the close interconnection between human health, animal health and the environment.

Effective rabies prevention and sustainable management of free-roaming animal populations should include measures such as mass vaccination of dogs against rabies, sterilisation, veterinary care, epidemiological surveillance, identification and responsible ownership, prevention of abandonment and community awareness.

The human-health dimension must also remain central. Timely access to rabies post-exposure prophylaxis for people who may have been exposed to the virus, particularly in higher-risk communities, is an essential element of an integrated prevention strategy.

Concerns over the use of poisoning

The reported use of poisoning is of particular concern.

In addition to the severe and potentially prolonged suffering that toxic substances may cause to animals, their release into the environment may pose risks to owned companion animals and non-target wildlife, including birds and wild mammals.

Such substances may also affect biodiversity and potentially expose wildlife species protected under national or international conservation frameworks, while creating broader environmental and public-safety concerns where hazardous substances are used in areas accessible to communities.

OIPA has therefore asked the competent Algerian authorities to clarify whether the use of toxic substances for stray-animal control is authorised under national legislation and, if so, under which legal, veterinary and public-health framework and subject to which safeguards.

OIPA calls for transparency and sustainable alternatives

In its institutional appeal, OIPA is calling on the Algerian authorities to immediately review the use of poisoning and other inhumane methods and to investigate the municipal operations documented in the material received.

The organization is also asking for greater transparency regarding the methods authorised and implemented during municipal interventions involving free-roaming animals.

OIPA encourages stronger cooperation between public-health authorities, veterinary services, municipalities, animal-welfare organizations and local communities, with the objective of developing solutions capable of protecting both people and animals.

The organization has also received material documenting significant public concern within Algeria, including rescue initiatives, animal-welfare advocacy and calls from citizens for humane alternatives to lethal control.

These concerns further highlight the importance of moving towards a comprehensive and sustainable national strategy for the management of free-roaming dogs and cats, rather than relying on repeated lethal campaigns.

Such a strategy should combine rabies prevention, veterinary intervention, population management, responsible ownership and public education while remaining consistent with internationally recognised animal-health and public-health approaches.

OIPA brings the case to international attention

Alongside the formal communication addressed to the competent Algerian authorities, OIPA has also brought the case to the attention of the United Nations in Algeria, sharing its concerns and the supporting documentation in order to encourage broader institutional attention to the issue.

The international communication has been framed around the One Health approach, emphasising the need to address rabies prevention and free-roaming animal population management through coordinated policies capable of protecting human health, animal health and the environment.

OIPA believes that constructive engagement among national authorities, veterinary and public-health institutions, international organizations and civil society can contribute to the development of more humane, effective and sustainable responses.

OIPA will continue to follow developments in Algeria and remains available for dialogue and cooperation with the competent authorities and relevant national and international stakeholders.

Read OIPA International’s full official letter to the Algerian authorities:
[READ THE LETTER]

L'articolo Algeria: OIPA ETS Calls for an End to Stray-Animal Culling and Urges a One Health Approach proviene da OIPA.

As part of its institutional advocacy, OIPA Italy was officially invited to present its position before the Agriculture Committee of the Italian Chamber of Deputies on 7 July. During the parliamentary hearing, OIPA outlined its legal, scientific and environmental concerns regarding the proposed reform, arguing that several provisions could conflict with the Italian Constitution, the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, and the principles underpinning Italy’s current Wildlife Protection Act (Law No. 157/1992).

In its submission to Parliament, OIPA warned that the bill would substantially expand hunting opportunities by extending hunting seasons, enlarging the list of huntable species, reducing restrictions on hunting locations, and weakening the role of scientific oversight provided by the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA). The organisation also expressed concern that hunting activities could be allowed in additional public areas, including state forests and other natural environments frequently used by hikers, birdwatchers, photographers and families.
OIPA further stressed that the proposed legislation could expose Italy to infringement proceedings by the European Union if provisions found to be incompatible with EU environmental law were ultimately adopted. The organisation also highlighted the potential economic consequences that such procedures could have for Italian taxpayers.

Beyond its parliamentary engagement, OIPA Italy is playing a leading role in the broader civil society response to the proposal. The organisation is part of a coalition of 57 environmental and animal protection organisations that has been urging Parliament for months not to approve the reform, calling instead for legislation that strengthens wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.

OIPA has also been among the most active organisations promoting legislative alternatives. It was one of the four founding organisations behind a citizens’ initiative bill calling for the abolition of hunting in Italy. In less than two months, the initiative collected more than 70,000 certified signatures, demonstrating significant public support for stronger wildlife protection.

Alongside its institutional work, OIPA continues to organise and support peaceful public demonstrations across the country. New protests against the proposed hunting reform are scheduled to take place in Verona and Treviso on 24 July, as part of the organisation’s ongoing campaign to raise public awareness and encourage political dialogue.

OIPA remains fully available for constructive and transparent dialogue with institutions, the hunting sector and agricultural stakeholders, the organisation stated during its parliamentary hearing, reaffirming its commitment to science-based policies that protect wildlife, biodiversity and public safety.

L'articolo OIPA Italy Steps Up Action Against Italy’s Proposed Hunting Bill (DDL Caccia) proviene da OIPA.

OIPA has formally intervened following the exceptionally serious case of cruelty involving a stray mother dog, widely known as Wang Wang, and her newborn puppies in Xinheng Town, Jiedong District, Jieyang, Guangdong Province, China.

According to the information and audiovisual material circulated internationally, four minors allegedly subjected the animals to deliberate and prolonged violence. The mother dog was reportedly beaten, tortured and ultimately set on fire, while her puppies were also killed. The violence was filmed and subsequently disseminated online.

The case has generated widespread shock and concern internationally

In the days following the circulation of the videos, OIPA received more than one hundred reports and appeals from citizens in Italy, across Europe and in several other countries, urging the organisation to intervene and request concrete action from the Chinese authorities.

“We were deeply shocked by the images and information that emerged from this case, as were people across the world. Acts of such extreme cruelty should never occur, and the suffering inflicted on Wang Wang and her puppies cannot be minimised or ignored. A clear and lasting response is needed to prevent similar violence from happening again,” said Massimo Pradella, President of OIPA ETS.

In response, OIPA sent a formal institutional letter to the competent authorities of the People’s Republic of China and embassies requesting detailed information regarding the measures already adopted and calling for a serious, transparent and lasting response.

OIPA requests clarity on the measures involving the minors

While recognising the importance of protecting the identities and rights of the minors involved, OIPA stressed that their young age cannot result in the extreme suffering inflicted upon the animals being minimised.

Cases of such severity require a comprehensive educational, psychological, preventive and supervisory response.

OIPA has therefore requested clarification on whether the minors have undergone, or will undergo, individual psychological and behavioural assessments, whether the educational measures specifically address empathy, violence prevention, responsibility and respect for animals, and what long-term monitoring will be implemented.

The organisation has also requested information regarding the responsibilities assigned to the parents or legal guardians and whether the circumstances that allowed the abuse to continue without timely adult intervention have been examined.

Repeated reports of animal-torture videos from China shared and sold online

The Jieyang case is not the only incident reported to OIPA involving the recording and online dissemination of extreme violence against animals.

Over recent years, the organisation has received numerous reports concerning videos depicting the torture of dogs, cats and other animals, allegedly exchanged, commissioned or sold through online groups and messaging platforms, including Telegram.

While each report must be independently investigated and verified by the competent authorities, the recurrence and similarity of these cases raise serious concerns. When animal cruelty is filmed and circulated for entertainment, recognition or financial gain, it risks becoming normalised, rewarded and imitated, particularly among younger audiences.

OIPA therefore stressed the need for stronger intervention by the Chinese authorities and digital platforms to identify those responsible, remove and prevent the further circulation of such content, investigate any networks involved in its production or monetisation, and introduce more effective preventive and legal measures.

Regarding the Jieyang case, OIPA also requested clarification on whether the original videos and their copies have been removed and whether other individuals may have encouraged, commissioned, facilitated or attempted to profit from the violence.

OIPA calls for stronger protection and preventive action

In its formal communication, OIPA acknowledged the progress made by the People’s Republic of China in areas such as wildlife protection, animal epidemic prevention, animal management and the online protection of minors. However, the organisation stressed the need for a comprehensive national framework expressly addressing the deliberate torture, serious abuse and unjustified killing of companion and stray animals.

OIPA called for stronger and proportionate measures, including clear legal prohibitions, effective sanctions, specific procedures for serious cases involving minors, and action against the recording, sale, monetisation and dissemination of animal-torture content. The organisation also urged closer cooperation among public authorities, educational institutions, digital platforms and animal-protection organisations.

These measures should not be limited to punishment, but should also prevent further violence, protect younger generations from harmful content and intervene before abusive behaviour becomes normalised or escalates.

OIPA also invited the Chinese authorities to cooperate on preventive and educational initiatives for children and young people, including awareness activities focused on empathy, responsibility, violence prevention and respect for animals and all living beings.

The organisation has formally requested a written reply detailing the measures already adopted and any further preventive, educational or legislative action under consideration. OIPA remains available for constructive institutional dialogue and concrete cooperation.

The complete letter sent by OIPA can be read here

L'articolo OIPA ETS TAKES FORMAL ACTION OVER THE KILLING OF WANG WANG AND HER PUPPIES IN JIEYANG, CHINA proviene da OIPA.

The authority informed OIPA that it had already been made aware of actions carried out by the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office, with the participation of the Investigative Police and the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security of Playa del Carmen. According to the official communication, these operations included an intervention at the Animalandia Maya facility during which several wild animals were placed under official protection (“asegurados”), in accordance with the federal authorities’ jurisdiction.

PROFEPA further stated that it is currently coordinating actions with the state and municipal authorities involved in the case in order to provide the necessary attention to the wildlife specimens concerned and to carry out all measures within its legal mandate to guarantee their protection and welfare, in accordance with Mexico’s General Wildlife Law and other applicable legislation.

The authority also confirmed that it will continue following the actions related to the protection, safeguarding and conservation of the wildlife species placed under official protection, while pursuing any administrative measures that may fall within its competence in coordination with the relevant institutions.

This official response follows OIPA’s previous appeal, in which the organization urged the competent Mexican authorities to investigate reports concerning the alleged exploitation of wild felines and other wildlife species for tourist entertainment at Animalandia Maya. OIPA had requested an official inspection to verify the conditions in which the animals were being kept and used, following numerous reports, testimonies, photographs and publicly available materials raising concerns about direct interactions between tourists and wild animal cubs.

OIPA welcomes the official response from the Mexican authorities and appreciates the constructive institutional dialogue established on this important matter. The organization will continue to closely monitor developments and remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife, promoting animal welfare and encouraging responsible and ethical tourism worldwide.

Read our previous article: OIPA ETS Calls on Mexican Authorities to Investigate Reports Concerning Animalandia Maya.

L'articolo Animalandia Maya: Mexican Authorities Respond to OIPA’s Appeal and Confirm Ongoing Wildlife Protection Measures proviene da OIPA.

Over the past weeks, OIPA has received several reports, together with official documentation, photographic evidence and media coverage, concerning incidents that have raised significant public concern in Croatia and attracted the attention of the international animal welfare community.

The communication refers in particular to three cases. In Bale, Istria, a 21-year-old resident was reportedly arrested in connection with the alleged prolonged starvation and death of two German Shepherd dogs, including one named Sky. According to the information received, local residents had raised concerns before the animals died, raising questions about the effectiveness of preventive intervention mechanisms.

In Dvor na Uni, Croatian investigative media reported the discovery of severely neglected animals, including malnourished dogs and animal carcasses, on a property allegedly operating as an animal shelter. The case has raised concerns regarding the response to previous complaints and the effectiveness of inspection procedures.

In Split, OIPA received documentation concerning the handling and transport of thirteen cats during an eviction procedure. According to the material received, the animals were transported together in a single cage during their transfer to a shelter, raising concerns regarding animal welfare standards and the procedures applied in such cases.

While the circumstances of each case differ, their seriousness and recurrence raise broader concerns regarding the effectiveness of preventive inspections, institutional coordination and the enforcement of existing animal welfare legislation.

Through its institutional communication, OIPA has requested clarification from the competent Croatian authorities regarding the current status of the investigations, the actions undertaken following previous reports submitted by citizens, and the measures being implemented to strengthen preventive controls, inspection procedures and enforcement mechanisms. OIPA has also called for initiatives capable of reinforcing public confidence in the institutions responsible for animal welfare protection.

OIPA  fully respects the independence of Croatian judicial and administrative authorities and does not intend to interfere with ongoing proceedings. However, the organisation stresses that the protection of animals requires not only appropriate legislation, but also its timely, consistent and transparent implementation.

The institutional communication has been sent to the relevant Croatian authorities, including the State Inspectorate, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Judiciary Committee of the Croatian Parliament. It has also been shared, for information, with the Delegation of the European Union to Croatia, Croatian Members of the European Parliament and Eurogroup for Animals.

As a Member State of the European Union, Croatia is expected to uphold high standards of animal welfare and to ensure that serious allegations of animal cruelty are examined thoroughly and without delay. OIPA  trusts that the competent authorities will treat these reported cases with the utmost seriousness and take all necessary measures to ensure transparency, accountability and the effective enforcement of animal welfare legislation.

Animal welfare is a shared European and international responsibility. Where repeated concerns arise, institutions must respond clearly and decisively to protect animals, restore public confidence and prevent further suffering.

The full letter and supporting documentation are available here

L'articolo OIPA ETS Calls for Institutional Action Over Serious Animal Welfare Cases in Croatia proviene da OIPA.

Why this programme matters

The wellbeing of animals, people, and communities is deeply interconnected.

In many rural areas of Tanzania, limited access to veterinary services contributes to dog overpopulation, preventable diseases, and an increased risk of rabies transmission. These challenges can negatively affect both animal welfare and public health.

By working directly with young people, families, and their dogs, the programme seeks to create long-term change through education rather than intervention alone.

Learning through connection

At the heart of the programme is a simple idea: when children learn to understand, respect, and care for animals, they also develop important life skills.

Through positive reinforcement training, participants learn:

-Patience
-Responsibility
-Empathy
-Communication
-Respect for living beings

The relationship between a child and a dog becomes a pathway for learning, growth, and community engagement.

What happens on the ground

 

The programme combines several interconnected activities designed to improve both animal welfare and community wellbeing.

Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Young people participate in practical training sessions alongside their dogs, learning humane handling techniques based on trust and cooperation.

Humane Education

Interactive educational activities help children and families understand animal welfare, responsible ownership, and the importance of compassion.

Community Awareness

Public awareness activities focus on rabies prevention, responsible dog ownership, and improving coexistence between people and animals.

Veterinary Care

Participating dogs can receive essential veterinary services, helping improve their health and welfare while supporting broader public health goals.

Caring for dogs, protecting communities

Veterinary outreach is an essential part of the programme.

Services may include:

-Rabies vaccination
-Sterilisation (spay/neuter)
-Basic health assessments
-Treatment of minor medical conditions

These interventions improve the lives of individual animals while helping reduce public health risks within the community.

Creating lasting change

The programme aims to create benefits that extend far beyond individual training sessions.

Through sustained engagement, the initiative seeks to:

-Improve the welfare of dogs
-Promote responsible ownership
-Reduce the risk of rabies transmission
-Strengthen human–animal relationships
-Increase community awareness
– Foster a culture of empathy and responsibility among young people

Upcoming Event

Join Our Online Event

Join us for a special online session introducing the Dog Training & Community Welfare Programme in Tanzania and learn how positive reinforcement dog training, humane education, and veterinary outreach can help build healthier and more compassionate communities.

During the event, Alpha Maisel, OIPA Representative in Tanzania will present the programme, its objectives, and the activities planned to improve animal welfare and promote responsible dog ownership in Mpwapwa.

Date: 26 June 2026
Time: 09:00 – 09:45 (EAT – Tanzania Time)
Format: Online

👉 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83181222638?pwd=oXba4alyvFYqbuORUCwufYZZiR1Dt6.1

JOIN THE WEBINAR

L'articolo OIPA Tanzania Dog Training & Community Welfare Programme proviene da OIPA.

With the support of its member league, Animal Rescue Albania, the letter has been submitted to a number of national and local institutions, including the Prime Minister, the President of the Republic, the Parliament of Albania, relevant ministries, law enforcement authorities, and other competent bodies. Diplomatic representatives and international stakeholders have also been informed of the situation.

Over the past several months, OIPA has received documentation, testimonies, reports, and media coverage concerning alleged incidents involving stray animals, including reports of animal deaths, suspected poisonings, concerns regarding shelter management, and broader issues related to animal welfare and population management practices.

Particularly concerning are reports regarding the discovery of numerous dog bodies discarded in public waste containers, as well as allegations that have prompted investigations by the competent authorities. Additional concerns have been raised regarding the management of public facilities housing animals and the conditions under which animals are being kept.

While the verification of facts remains the responsibility of the competent authorities, OIPA believes that the seriousness of the allegations, combined with the growing public attention surrounding these cases, warrants full transparency and careful institutional scrutiny.

In its communication, OIPA emphasized the importance of conducting thorough, independent, and transparent investigations capable of establishing all relevant facts and responsibilities. The organization also highlighted concerns regarding the lack of transparency surrounding certain reported incidents, investigations, and animal management procedures, which has contributed to increasing uncertainty and public concern.

“The protection of animals is not solely an animal welfare issue. It is also a reflection of transparency, accountability, and the values upheld by public institutions,” OIPA ETS  stated in its letter.

The organization has therefore called upon the Albanian authorities to ensure transparency and accountability, strengthen oversight mechanisms concerning animal management facilities, and guarantee that stray animal policies are implemented in accordance with humane, science-based, and internationally recognized standards.

OIPA ETS further encouraged the effective implementation of long-term strategies focused on sterilization, vaccination, identification, responsible ownership, and humane population management as key components of sustainable solutions.

OIPA ETS  will continue to closely monitor developments and remains available for constructive dialogue and cooperation. The organization sincerely hopes that the concerns raised will be addressed through transparent investigations and effective action, ensuring the protection and welfare of animals in accordance with national legislation and internationally recognized standards.

READ THE LETTER

L'articolo OIPA ETS Sends Formal Letter to Albanian Authorities Over Growing Concerns for Stray Animals proviene da OIPA.