OIPA in Palestine

Who We Are

OIPA’s work in Palestine is carried out through its Country Representative, Hala Montaser Naim Mahmoud, based in Tulkarm, where she works to promote animal welfare through awareness, education, community engagement and cooperation with local institutions.

Hala is a law graduate and Honor College graduate from An-Najah National University, with a strong background in volunteer work, environmental advocacy and animal welfare. Through OIPA Palestine, she is committed to strengthening public understanding of animal protection, promoting humane treatment and encouraging more responsible coexistence between people and animals.

“Animal welfare begins with awareness, education and the courage to build compassionate communities.”

Hala Montaser Naim Mahmoud, OIPA Country Representative for Palestine

Our Mission in Palestine

OIPA’s mission in Palestine is to promote animal welfare through education, awareness, prevention, community engagement and institutional cooperation, with a particular focus on humane and sustainable solutions for stray animals.

Through the work of its Country Representative and volunteer team, OIPA Palestine aims to strengthen public understanding of humane treatment, responsible coexistence, the reporting of animal abuse and the importance of science-based approaches to animal welfare challenges.

The work brings together veterinarians, schools, universities, local communities, civil society organisations and relevant institutions to encourage practical and long-term responses to the needs of animals and communities. Particular attention is given to stray animals, rabies prevention, future vaccination campaigns and the promotion of responsible behaviour towards animals.

OIPA Palestine also recognises the important role of students, young people and volunteers as agents of change. By connecting animal welfare, environmental protection, law, science, public health and community participation, OIPA Palestine seeks to build a stronger culture of compassion, responsibility and respect for all living beings.

Through education, dialogue, prevention and practical initiatives, OIPA Palestine aims to support long-term change, improve coexistence between people and animals and contribute to safer, more compassionate communities.

Challenges and Our Response

Animal welfare in Palestine faces several important challenges, including limited public awareness, the absence of comprehensive animal welfare legislation and difficulties linked to the management of stray animal populations, particularly in rural areas.

Stray dogs remain a sensitive and complex issue in many communities, often connected to fear, lack of information, public health concerns and limited access to structured humane solutions. The risk of rabies and other diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans makes this issue particularly important from both an animal welfare and public health perspective.

In this context, vaccination, community education and responsible stray animal management are essential to protect both animals and people. Preventive action can help reduce fear, improve coexistence and support safer communities, while avoiding harmful or reactive responses towards stray animals.

Other challenges include the need for stronger reporting mechanisms for animal abuse, wider access to veterinary expertise, greater institutional coordination and more educational opportunities for children, youth and local communities.

OIPA’s response in Palestine focuses on awareness, education, cooperation and prevention. Through university outreach, public interviews, stakeholder meetings, volunteer engagement and dialogue with institutions, OIPA Palestine works to promote humane, scientific and sustainable approaches to animal welfare.

Hala is also working on a strategy that integrates the One Health model, recognising the close connection between animal health, human health and the environment. This strategy aims to promote awareness initiatives, respond to the need for vaccination campaigns and encourage cooperation among veterinarians, communities, institutions and local stakeholders.

The objective is to build long-term solutions based on community participation, responsible behaviour, veterinary knowledge, disease prevention and respect for animals.

Main Areas of Activity

Education, University Awareness and Youth Engagement

Education is one of the main pillars of OIPA Palestine’s work and plays a central role in promoting long-term change for animals and communities.

Through awareness activities in schools, universities and local communities, OIPA Palestine aims to engage students, children and young people in discussions on animal welfare, responsible coexistence and humane solutions for stray animals.

This work focuses on encouraging empathy, kindness towards animals, safe behaviour around stray dogs, responsible care, rabies prevention and the importance of reporting animal abuse. Particular attention is given to helping young people understand the connection between animal welfare, public health and community responsibility.

OIPA Palestine also uses student engagement and public dialogue to better understand community perceptions, concerns and knowledge gaps around stray animals. These activities help replace fear and misinformation with awareness, scientific knowledge and practical guidance.

By reaching students, children and young people, OIPA Palestine seeks to foster a new generation that is more aware, responsible and committed to protecting animals and promoting safer coexistence between people and animals.

Scientific Awareness, Rabies Prevention and One Health

OIPA Palestine promotes a scientific and evidence-based approach to animal welfare, particularly in relation to the management of stray animals and the public concerns connected to them.

This area of work focuses on replacing fear and misinformation with knowledge, dialogue and practical guidance. By involving veterinarians, specialists, students and local communities, OIPA Palestine aims to encourage a better understanding of stray animal issues and promote humane, medical and science-based solutions.

OIPA Palestine also recognises that animal welfare is closely connected to public health and community safety. The presence of stray animals, combined with limited access to preventive veterinary services, can increase concerns related to rabies and other diseases that may be transmitted from animals to humans.

For this reason, Hala is working to develop a strategy that integrates the One Health model, bringing together animal health, human health and environmental responsibility. The aim is to promote awareness, support the need for vaccination initiatives and encourage cooperation among veterinarians, communities, institutions and local stakeholders.

Through this approach, OIPA Palestine seeks to prevent disease, reduce fear and promote safer, more humane coexistence between people and animals.

Strategic Partnerships, Environmental Protection and Institutional Cooperation

OIPA Palestine is working to build a strong network of cooperation around animal welfare, environmental protection and future joint initiatives.

The work focuses on connecting civil society organisations, veterinarians, veterinary students, local communities and institutional stakeholders from both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

A key part of this process is the development of a strategic plan in collaboration with local stakeholders, with the aim of promoting a sustainable and structured approach to animal welfare in Palestine. This includes identifying common priorities, strengthening cooperation between professionals and organisations, and encouraging more coordinated responses to animal welfare and environmental concerns.

Through this work, OIPA Palestine seeks to transform individual efforts into a broader network of action, bringing together civil society, professionals, institutions and local communities around shared solutions based on cooperation, responsibility and respect for all living beings.

Research, Youth Empowerment and Technological Innovation

OIPA Palestine is also working to strengthen the role of Palestinian youth in animal welfare, environmental advocacy and international cooperation.

This area of work focuses on creating opportunities for young people, students and professionals to engage with animal welfare through research, scientific evidence, education and dialogue. By connecting animal protection with environmental responsibility, OIPA Palestine aims to support a new generation of advocates able to contribute to both local and international discussions.

Within this framework, OIPA Palestine has launched the AI for Veterinary Medicine Initiative, a multidisciplinary platform that brings together veterinary professionals, animal welfare advocates, technology specialists and AI experts from different countries.

The initiative explores how modern technology and artificial intelligence can support progress in veterinary medicine, contribute to the reduction of animal testing and experimentation, and help develop digital tools to address emerging challenges in animal health and welfare.

Through this work, OIPA Palestine seeks to build bridges between animal welfare, science, technology, environmental protection and international advocacy, promoting innovative solutions that can benefit both animals and communities

Our Impact

Sì, per Our Impact ti proporrei una versione più compatta, istituzionale e coerente con le sezioni che abbiamo appena sistemato.

Our Impact

Through the work of Hala and the OIPA Palestine volunteer team, OIPA has started to build an important platform for animal welfare awareness, education and cooperation in Palestine.

OIPA Palestine has promoted university-based awareness activities in Tulkarm, engaging students in discussions on stray animals, humane coexistence, public health concerns and the importance of medical and science-based solutions.

The team has also contributed to strengthening public understanding of animal welfare through interviews, online awareness activities and dialogue with specialists, helping to address fear, misinformation and knowledge gaps around stray animals.

Between March and June 2026, OIPA Palestine developed initial strategic dialogue with animal welfare organisations, veterinarians, veterinary students and stakeholders from the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with the aim of supporting a more coordinated and long-term approach to animal protection.

OIPA Palestine has also opened channels of cooperation on environmental awareness, wildlife protection, youth empowerment, research and innovation, connecting animal welfare with broader issues such as environmental responsibility, public health and community participation.

The launch of the AI for Veterinary Medicine Initiative represents an additional step towards promoting international collaboration, scientific exchange and innovative approaches to veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Through these activities, OIPA Palestine is helping to create the foundations for a stronger animal welfare network based on education, scientific knowledge, youth involvement, One Health principles and institutional cooperation.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, OIPA Palestine aims to strengthen its work in animal welfare education, public awareness, community engagement and institutional cooperation.

Key priorities include expanding awareness activities in schools, universities and local communities, with a particular focus on children, students and young people. Through these initiatives, OIPA Palestine seeks to promote empathy, responsible coexistence, safe behaviour around stray animals, rabies prevention and the importance of reporting animal abuse.

OIPA Palestine is also working on projects addressing the urgent needs of stray animals, particularly in areas where dogs and cats face vulnerability, lack of care, limited access to veterinary support and risks linked to fear, misinformation or inadequate management. These projects aim to support humane emergency responses, promote responsible community action and develop more structured solutions for animals in need.

In this context, OIPA Palestine is actively seeking international partners, donors and supporters who can contribute to the development of future animal welfare initiatives, including emergency support for stray animals, vaccination campaigns, veterinary assistance, awareness activities and community-based programmes.

OIPA Palestine will also continue strengthening its network of volunteers and partners across different governorates, supporting local capacity, youth engagement and community-based animal welfare action.

In parallel, OIPA Palestine aims to further develop partnerships in the fields of environmental protection, wildlife awareness, research, youth empowerment and technological innovation, including the continued growth of the AI for Veterinary Medicine Initiative.

Through these efforts, OIPA Palestine seeks to build a stronger and more coordinated animal welfare platform, promote humane responses to stray animal emergencies and create long-term change for animals, communities and future generations.

Contact

For further information about OIPA’s activities in Morocco, please contact:

OIPA International
international@oipa.org

 

OIPA in Liberia

Who We Are

OIPA’s work in Liberia is carried out through its Country Representative, Robert K. Gboluma, Jr., founder of Youth Development Agency (YDA), an organisation engaged in public health, environmental justice, youth empowerment, human rights and community-based development.

Through OIPA Liberia, Robert works to promote animal welfare in a context where animal protection is still an emerging field and where long-term education, institutional cooperation and community engagement are essential.

OIPA Liberia’s work focuses on public awareness, responsible animal care, humane education, youth engagement, stakeholder dialogue, community outreach and the promotion of the One Health approach, recognising the strong connection between animal welfare, public health, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.

Particular attention is given to communities where access to veterinary services remains limited, public awareness of animal welfare is still low and animals may be affected by neglect, harmful practices, lack of vaccination, abandonment and insufficient protection systems.

By combining grassroots education, youth mobilisation and collaboration with government institutions and civil society organisations, OIPA Liberia aims to build a stronger foundation for animal protection across the country

 

“Animal welfare is not only an ethical responsibility, but a fundamental component of environmental justice, public health and sustainable development.”

Robert K. Gboluma, Jr., OIPA Country Representative in Liberia

Our Mission in Liberia

OIPA’s mission in Liberia is to promote animal welfare through education, community engagement, responsible animal care, rabies prevention, youth involvement, institutional cooperation and advocacy for stronger animal protection systems.

Through the work of its Country Representative, OIPA Liberia aims to raise awareness about humane treatment, prevent animal cruelty, encourage responsible ownership and strengthen collaboration between communities, civil society and public institutions.

The work focuses on supporting communities in understanding the importance of animal welfare and its connection to public health, environmental responsibility and social progress.

Through school-based education, community awareness, stakeholder engagement and volunteer mobilisation, OIPA Liberia seeks to promote a culture of compassion and responsibility towards animals throughout the country.

Challenges and Our Response

Animal protection in Liberia remains an underdeveloped field and faces several structural and cultural challenges.

These include limited public awareness of responsible animal care, lack of affordable veterinary services in many areas, low vaccination coverage, growing stray animal populations in urban centres, weak enforcement of existing regulations and the absence of a comprehensive national animal protection framework.

In some communities, dogs and other animals may also be affected by harmful traditional practices, including their use in rituals or their killing for consumption. These practices, together with neglect, abandonment and limited access to veterinary care, expose animals to suffering and highlight the need for long-term education, dialogue and community engagement.

OIPA’s response in Liberia focuses on prevention, awareness and cooperation. By engaging communities, schools, youth volunteers, traditional leaders, government institutions and civil society organisations, OIPA Liberia works to promote humane treatment, discourage harmful practices and strengthen local responsibility for animal welfare.

The objective is to build a coordinated national animal welfare network capable of supporting outreach, reporting, education and future veterinary initiatives, while encouraging a culture of compassion, respect and responsible care for animals.

 

Main Areas of Activity

School Animal Welfare Education

OIPA Liberia recognises the importance of educating children and young people as a foundation for long-term change.

School-based animal welfare education aims to foster empathy, responsibility and respect for animals from an early age. By engaging students, teachers and school communities, OIPA Liberia seeks to promote humane values and encourage safer, more compassionate relationships between children and animals.

Future activities will focus on expanding school animal welfare education programmes, integrating humane education into school and community initiatives, and encouraging young people to become advocates for animals within their own communities.

 

Youth Engagement and Volunteer Mobilisation

Youth engagement is a central part of OIPA Liberia’s approach.

Through his work with Youth Development Agency, Robert K. Gboluma, Jr. has long promoted the role of young people as agents of change in community development, public health and social progress.

Within OIPA Liberia, this experience is being applied to animal welfare by engaging youth volunteers in awareness, outreach, reporting and community education.

Efforts are underway to establish a structured national network of animal welfare volunteers across different counties, with the aim of strengthening local outreach and supporting a more coordinated response to animal protection needs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Cooperation

OIPA Liberia works to strengthen cooperation with government institutions, civil society organisations, community leaders and other local stakeholders.

During its first reporting period, OIPA Liberia engaged with the Ministry of Agriculture county office, Youth Bridge and community leaders to promote collaboration on animal welfare initiatives and future programming.

This type of institutional dialogue is essential to build recognition of animal welfare as a public concern connected to health, environment, community wellbeing and sustainable development.

Through continued engagement, OIPA Liberia aims to strengthen collaboration between civil society and public authorities and support the development of more effective animal welfare responses.

Responsible Animal Care and Community Monitoring

OIPA Liberia promotes responsible animal care through awareness, dialogue and community-based monitoring.

This includes encouraging communities to recognise and report animal abuse, discouraging harmful practices and supporting more humane treatment of animals in homes, farms and public spaces.

Community-based monitoring can play an important role in identifying cases of cruelty, neglect or abuse and in encouraging local responsibility for animal protection.

By involving community members directly, OIPA Liberia aims to make animal welfare a shared responsibility rather than an isolated concern.

Rabies Prevention, Veterinary Outreach and One Health

Animal welfare is closely connected to public health, environmental sustainability and community wellbeing.

In Liberia, low vaccination coverage and limited access to veterinary services, especially outside major urban areas, represent important challenges for both animals and communities. These gaps can increase the risk of preventable diseases, limit access to basic animal health support and make it more difficult to promote responsible animal care.

OIPA Liberia aims to support sustainable rabies prevention, vaccination initiatives and accessible veterinary outreach programmes in underserved areas. These activities are designed to protect animals from preventable diseases while also contributing to safer and healthier communities.

Through a One Health approach, OIPA Liberia recognises that the health of animals, people and the environment are deeply interconnected. Responsible animal care, vaccination, disease prevention, environmental cleanliness and humane treatment all contribute to more resilient communities.

Planned future interventions include community animal health outreach, veterinary outreach activities and community clean-up campaigns connected to the One Health approach, helping local communities understand the relationship between animal welfare, public health and environmental responsibility.

Future Goals and Impact

Looking ahead, OIPA Liberia aims to expand its activities during the second half of 2026 and strengthen its role as a national platform for animal welfare education, advocacy and coordination.

Planned priorities include rural animal welfare awareness campaigns, school animal welfare education programmes, community animal health outreach, veterinary outreach activities, volunteer recruitment and training, resource mobilisation and fundraising initiatives.

OIPA Liberia also plans to support activities connected to World Animal Day and community clean-up campaigns promoting the One Health approach.

A major long-term objective is to build a coordinated national animal welfare network across different counties, strengthening outreach, reporting, education and community-based action.

In addition, OIPA Liberia is working to develop field-based programmes for veterinary students  and young animal health professionals interested in gaining practical experience in animal welfare, community outreach and veterinary support. The initiative aims to create opportunities for students to work alongside local veterinarians, community leaders and OIPA Liberia’s team in underserved areas, contributing to animal health activities while learning about the local animal welfare context.

These programmes are intended to combine practical veterinary support with community engagement, including awareness activities, basic animal health outreach, responsible ownership education, rabies prevention and future vaccination initiatives. By involving veterinary students directly in field activities, OIPA Liberia seeks to strengthen local animal welfare capacity, support communities with limited access to veterinary services and encourage a new generation of professionals to approach animal health through compassion, prevention and the One Health perspective.

“A compassionate society protects animals, strengthens communities and recognises that welfare, health and sustainability are deeply connected.”

Contact

For further information about OIPA’s activities in Liberia, please contact:

OIPA International
international@oipa.org

OIPA in Morocco

Who We Are

OIPA’s work in Morocco is carried out through its local representative, Zahra El Amari, founder of AAEM – Aide aux Animaux Errants au Maroc, an association dedicated to improving the lives of stray and vulnerable animals across the country.

Through OIPA Morocco, Zahra works to provide protection, care and practical support to animals exposed to abandonment, hunger, disease and the dangers of life on the streets.

Her work includes rescue, sheltering, veterinary assistance, vaccination, sterilisation, identification, adoption support and community education. In Aïn Jouhara, near Tiflet, Zahra has established a shelter that offers rescued animals a safe environment, regular food, clean water, veterinary care and protection.

OIPA Morocco’s approach combines immediate help for animals in need with prevention, education and cooperation with local stakeholders. Particular attention is given to raising awareness within local communities, especially among children and young people, encouraging respect for animals and safer, more responsible interactions with stray animals.

“Protecting stray animals in Morocco means offering them safety today, while building a future based on education, prevention and compassion.”

Zahra El Amari, OIPA Representative in Morocco

Our Mission in Morocco

OIPA’s mission in Morocco is to promote humane and sustainable solutions for stray animal welfare through direct care, prevention, education and responsible population management.

Through the work of its local representative  OIPA Morocco aims to protect animals living in vulnerable conditions while addressing the root causes of their suffering, including abandonment, uncontrolled reproduction, limited access to veterinary care and lack of public awareness.

The work focuses on creating safe spaces for animals in need, strengthening preventive veterinary programmes, encouraging responsible ownership and promoting a culture in which animals are recognised as sentient beings deserving protection, care and dignity.

Through field action, community engagement and cooperation with animal welfare professionals, OIPA Morocco seeks to improve the lives of stray animals and contribute to a more compassionate culture of animal protection in the country.

Challenges and Our Response

Stray animals in Morocco face several serious and interconnected challenges. Many dogs and cats live on the streets without access to regular food, clean water, veterinary care or protection from extreme weather conditions, road traffic and disease.

Uncontrolled reproduction contributes to the growing number of stray animals, while limited sterilisation and vaccination coverage can increase risks for both animals and communities. In many areas, animal welfare awareness remains limited, and harmful attitudes towards stray animals may lead to fear, neglect or mistreatment.

Another important challenge is the lack of sufficient shelter capacity and veterinary support for animals requiring urgent care, recovery or long-term protection.

OIPA’s response in Morocco focuses on practical and preventive action. Through rescue, sheltering, veterinary care, sterilisation, vaccination, identification, adoption support and education, OIPA Morocco works to reduce suffering while promoting long-term solutions.

By combining immediate protection with awareness and prevention, OIPA Morocco aims to address both the visible consequences and the underlying causes of stray animal vulnerability.

 

 

Main Areas of Activity

Rescue, Shelter and Daily Care

In Aïn Jouhara, near Tiflet, Zahra El Amari has established a shelter that provides a safe haven for animals that have spent much of their lives struggling to survive on the streets.

Many of the animals welcomed at the shelter were previously exposed to hunger, disease, traffic accidents, abandonment and harsh living conditions. Today, they have access to regular food, clean water, veterinary care and a secure environment where they can recover and live with dignity.

The shelter currently provides care for a large number of rescued animals, including dogs and cats, while AAEM’s wider work also supports other vulnerable animals in need.

This work demonstrates how compassionate, community-driven solutions can offer immediate protection to animals while also raising awareness about the importance of long-term prevention.

Veterinary Care, Vaccination and Sterilisation

Veterinary care is essential to improving animal welfare and preventing further suffering.

Through AAEM, OIPA Morocco supports veterinary assistance for rescued animals, including treatment, vaccination, sterilisation, castration and identification activities.

Sterilisation and castration are particularly important tools for reducing uncontrolled reproduction and preventing future generations of animals from being born into abandonment and hardship.

Vaccination and preventive healthcare also contribute to safer and healthier communities, helping protect both animals and people from preventable diseases.

OIPA Morocco aims to strengthen access to veterinary expertise and support future initiatives such as sterilisation campaigns, veterinary outreach activities and preventive healthcare programmes.

 

 

Adoption and Rehoming

OIPA Morocco works to give rescued animals the chance to find loving and responsible adoptive families.

Adoption is an important part of the long-term response to stray animal suffering. It allows rescued animals to leave behind abandonment and insecurity and begin a new life in a safe, caring environment.

Through awareness and responsible rehoming support, OIPA Morocco encourages families and individuals to consider adoption and to understand the long-term commitment involved in caring for an animal.

The goal is not only to find homes for rescued animals, but also to promote a culture of responsible and compassionate animal guardianship.

Education and Community Awareness

Education and prevention are central to OIPA Morocco’s work.

Zahra regularly visits schools to teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with stray animals. These activities help foster empathy, kindness and responsible behaviour from an early age.

Through school-based awareness, children learn that stray animals should not be feared or mistreated, but approached with respect, caution and compassion. These educational activities also help promote responsible ownership and a better understanding of animals’ basic needs.

Building on this commitment, OIPA Morocco aims to develop dedicated training programmes for students, offering educational courses throughout the school year. At the end of the programme, participating students may receive certificates of merit recognising their commitment to animal welfare.

By involving children, families and communities, OIPA Morocco seeks to build a more compassionate culture of respect for animals.

 

Responsible Ownership and Humane Interaction

OIPA Morocco promotes responsible animal care and safer interaction between people and stray animals.

Awareness activities focus on animals’ basic needs, including food, water, shelter, veterinary care, vaccination, sterilisation, identification, humane treatment and protection from cruelty.

Zahra’s professional training in canine behaviour and dog training further supports this work, strengthening her ability to promote responsible handling, safer interactions and more effective care practices.

By helping communities better understand animal behaviour and welfare needs, OIPA Morocco works to reduce fear, prevent mistreatment and encourage more positive relationships between people and animals.

Animal Welfare, Public Health and Community Wellbeing

The issue of stray animals is closely connected to public health, responsible population management and community wellbeing.

Providing care to animals in need is essential, but long-term progress also requires prevention, education, sterilisation programmes, vaccination, responsible ownership and increased public awareness.

Through a humane and community-based approach, OIPA Morocco recognises that protecting animals also contributes to safer and more responsible communities.

Projects such as the shelter in Aïn Jouhara show that practical solutions can be developed when animal welfare advocates, local communities and professionals work together towards a shared goal.

 

 

Our Impact

Through the work of Zahra El Amari and AAEM, OIPA Morocco has already contributed to meaningful animal welfare action for stray and vulnerable animals.

A key achievement is the establishment of the shelter in Aïn Jouhara, near Tiflet, inaugurated on 13 June 2026, which now provides care, protection and a safer environment for many rescued animals.

The shelter offers animals access to food, clean water, veterinary care and daily protection, giving them the opportunity to recover from the hardship of street life and live with dignity.

OIPA Morocco has also contributed to rescue, vaccination, sterilisation, castration, identification and adoption support activities, helping animals receive essential care and increasing their chances of finding responsible families.

In addition to direct animal care, OIPA Morocco promotes education and awareness among children and local communities. School visits and planned educational programmes aim to foster empathy, respect and responsible behaviour towards animals from an early age.

The inauguration of the shelter also highlighted the importance of community participation. Children and young people contributed artworks dedicated to animals, symbolising a future built on compassion and respect. Certificates of participation were awarded to recognise their creativity and commitment to animal welfare values.

Through this combination of rescue, sheltering, education and prevention, OIPA Morocco is helping to build a more compassionate and practical model of animal protection.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, OIPA Morocco aims to strengthen its rescue, shelter and veterinary support activities while expanding prevention and education programmes.

Key priorities include improving access to veterinary care, developing sterilisation and vaccination initiatives, supporting responsible adoption, strengthening identification programmes and increasing public awareness around stray animal welfare.

OIPA Morocco is also seeking the support of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary nurses and animal health professionals interested in contributing to future animal welfare initiatives.

Professional support can make a significant difference in improving animal welfare standards and helping develop sustainable, long-term solutions for stray animal management in Morocco.

Another important goal is to expand school-based education and training programmes, helping children and young people become more aware of animal welfare, responsible behaviour and compassionate coexistence with stray animals.

Through this work, OIPA Morocco seeks to protect vulnerable animals, prevent future suffering and promote a safer, kinder and more responsible relationship between people and animals.

 

“A more compassionate future for animals in Morocco begins with protection, prevention and education.”

Contact

For further information about OIPA’s activities in Morocco, please contact:

OIPA International
international@oipa.org

 

OIPA in Romania

Who We Are

OIPA’s work in Romania is carried out through its local representative, Cristina Mirela Diril, based in Mureș County, where she is leading coordinated initiatives to address one of the country’s most urgent animal welfare challenges: the overpopulation of stray dogs and cats.

OIPA Romania combines direct action with cooperation among local authorities, veterinary professionals, partner organisations and community stakeholders. Its work includes supporting mass sterilisation campaigns, strengthening urgent care and recovery pathways for animals in need, promoting adoption and responsible ownership, and raising awareness about humane treatment and respect for animals.

Particular attention is given to areas where resources remain limited, public shelters are under pressure and stray animals face serious risks linked to capture, confinement and possible euthanasia after the legal holding period. In this context, OIPA Romania works to reduce suffering through prevention, accountability and practical local solutions.

 

“Lasting change for stray animals in Romania requires prevention, cooperation and the courage to build systems that protect animals before suffering becomes an emergency.”

Cristina Mirela Diril, OIPA Representative in Romania

Our Mission in Romania

OIPA’s mission in Romania is to promote humane, preventive and sustainable responses to stray animal overpopulation, with a particular focus on sterilisation, microchipping, responsible ownership, education, urgent care and cooperation with local authorities.

Through the work of its local representative, OIPA Romania supports a structured approach that combines immediate assistance for animals in need with long-term strategies to reduce abandonment, uncontrolled reproduction, shelter overcrowding and animal suffering.

Through partnerships, awareness activities and coordinated campaigns, OIPA Romania aims to support responsible communities and develop a pilot model in Mureș County that can inspire similar animal welfare solutions in other regions of the country.

Challenges and Our Response

Animal welfare in Romania is affected by several interconnected challenges, particularly in relation to stray dogs and cats, abandonment, uncontrolled reproduction, limited access to preventive veterinary care and public shelter pressure.

In many communities, animals may remain unsterilised, unregistered or untreated due to financial barriers, lack of information or misconceptions about sterilisation and responsible ownership. This contributes to repeated cycles of unwanted litters, abandonment, disease, injuries and increasing pressure on local authorities and shelters.

Across parts of Mureș County, stray dogs face serious risks linked to capture, shelter confinement and possible euthanasia after the legal holding period. In this context, prevention becomes essential to reduce suffering before animals enter the cycle of capture and confinement.

Another important challenge is the lack of adequate temporary infrastructure for vulnerable animals, including puppies, injured animals and special cases that require recovery, treatment or safe placement before adoption.

OIPA’s response in Romania focuses on prevention, cooperation and accountability. By supporting sterilisation and microchipping initiatives, urgent veterinary care, responsible rehoming, public education and dialogue with local authorities, OIPA Romania works to address the root causes of animal suffering rather than only responding to emergencies.

The objective is to promote humane, practical and long-term solutions that benefit animals, communities and local institutions.

 

 

Main Areas of Activity

Sterilisation, Microchipping and Prevention

Prevention is one of the main priorities of OIPA Romania.

Through sterilisation and microchipping initiatives, OIPA Romania aims to reduce the number of unwanted litters, prevent abandonment and support more responsible management of dogs and cats within local communities.

These activities are particularly important in areas where many animals remain unregistered or where owners may not have access to affordable veterinary services. Sterilisation also helps reduce the suffering of stray animals and contributes to more humane and sustainable population control.

Microchipping is equally important, as it supports traceability, accountability and responsible ownership. By helping identify animals and their owners, it can reduce abandonment and support more effective animal welfare management at local level.

OIPA Romania promotes these activities in cooperation with veterinary professionals, local authorities and partner organisations, with the aim of developing structured and community-based solutions.

 

Rescue, Veterinary Care and Rehabilitation

OIPA Romania supports animals in vulnerable situations, including abandoned, injured, sick or neglected dogs and cats.

The work includes direct rescue, veterinary treatment, temporary care, rehabilitation and, when possible, responsible rehoming. Special attention is given to animals that require urgent care, recovery support or safe placement before adoption.

This practical field work responds to immediate animal welfare needs while also highlighting the importance of long-term prevention, responsible ownership and stronger local systems.

Urgent Care Systems and Rehoming Support

Alongside prevention, OIPA Romania is working to strengthen urgent care and rehoming pathways for animals in need.

A key concern in the area between Târgu Mureș and Reghin is the limited infrastructure available for animals that need temporary protection, recovery or special care. Puppies, injured animals and vulnerable cases often require immediate support before they can be safely rehomed or placed in longer-term care.

OIPA Romania aims to support the development of safer and more structured pathways for animals in need, from rescue and veterinary treatment to rehabilitation and responsible adoption.

This approach combines emergency intervention with the gradual strengthening of local infrastructure, helping reduce reliance on improvised or reactive responses.

Education, Adoption Awareness and Community Engagement

Education is an important part of OIPA Romania’s work, helping to promote empathy, responsible ownership and greater respect for rescued and mixed-breed animals.

OIPA Romania supports public awareness initiatives dedicated to adoption, humane treatment and the importance of challenging stereotypes surrounding former stray and non-pedigree dogs. Through direct interaction with rescued animals, families, children and members of the public are encouraged to understand that a dog’s value should never be determined by pedigree papers, breed certification or purchase price. Every animal deserves dignity, protection, care and the opportunity to live in a loving environment.

These initiatives also highlight real rescue and adoption stories involving dogs saved from abandonment, shelters and difficult situations before successfully integrating into families and communities. They help show how rescued and mixed-breed dogs can become balanced, socialised, affectionate and devoted companions.

OIPA Romania also recognises the strong connection between animal welfare, empathy and social inclusion. Through community-based activities, it aims to create spaces where children, vulnerable groups, families, educators, volunteers and animal welfare advocates can come together around shared values of compassion, respect and responsibility.

By connecting animal welfare education with inclusion and community participation, OIPA Romania promotes a broader culture of care, where both animals and people are treated with dignity, kindness and respect.

Our Impact

Through the work of Cristina Mirela Diril and her local network, OIPA Romania has already contributed to practical animal welfare action in Mureș County.

OIPA Romania has contributed to awareness activities promoting responsible animal care, sterilisation, microchipping, adoption and humane treatment. Community outreach has helped identify key barriers, including financial constraints and misconceptions about sterilisation, while opening dialogue with families and local stakeholders.

OIPA Romania has also contributed to public education initiatives promoting adoption, responsible ownership and respect for rescued and mixed-breed dogs. These activities have helped engage families, children, rescue organisations and local communities in challenging stereotypes around former stray animals and encouraging adoption as a responsible and compassionate choice.

In addition, OIPA Romania has participated in community-based educational and inclusion initiatives, including the Dream Night event in Târgu Mureș, dedicated to children living with disabilities, chronic illnesses and difficult life circumstances. Through these activities, OIPA Romania helped promote empathy, kindness and respect for animals, while supporting broader values of inclusion, compassion and community participation.

Building on this foundation, OIPA Romania is currently working to support an emergency sterilisation campaign in Ernei and surrounding districts, in Mureș County, with the goal of sterilising between 300 and 500 dogs. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the City Hall of Ernei, Blue Paws Association and Second Life Association, aims to prevent unwanted births, reduce stray dog overpopulation and protect dogs from the cycle of capture, shelter confinement and possible euthanasia.

Through this work, OIPA Romania is helping to develop a structured pilot model based on prevention, cooperation, veterinary care, education and measurable impact.

Future Goals

Looking ahead, OIPA Romania aims to strengthen partnerships with municipalities, veterinary professionals, schools, local associations, rescue organisations and international supporters.

The first strategic priorities include expanding sterilisation and microchipping initiatives, promoting responsible ownership, supporting vulnerable animals, developing urgent care and rehoming pathways, and improving cooperation with local authorities.

OIPA Romania also aims to expand education and awareness activities, especially among children, families and local communities, in order to promote empathy, adoption, humane treatment and long-term behavioural change.

A key objective is to continue developing Mureș County as a pilot area for structured animal welfare action, with the possibility of replicating this model in other regions of Romania.

Through this work, OIPA Romania seeks to reduce animal suffering, prevent abandonment, support safer communities and promote a stronger culture of compassion, accountability and responsibility towards animals.

 

“A humane future for animals in Romania begins with prevention, cooperation and the courage to build lasting solutions.”

Contact

For further information about OIPA’s activities in Romania, please contact:

OIPA International
international@oipa.org

 

OIPA in Bosnia-Herzegovina

Who We Are

OIPA’s work in Bosnia-Herzegovina is carried out by its local representatives, Anđela Španović and Ivana Lukić, in cooperation with WagWag, a citizens’ association committed to improving animal welfare through systemic, sustainable and community-based approaches.

Their work focuses mainly on the protection of stray and abandoned animals, especially dogs and cats, through education, sterilisation, volunteer support, shelter reform, digital outreach and public awareness.

In Bosnia-Herzegovina, animal welfare is strongly affected by the high number of stray animals, limited institutional capacity, insufficient shelter infrastructure and the need for greater transparency and coordination. Through its local representatives, OIPA supports initiatives that promote responsible pet ownership, humane treatment of animals, sterilisation and stronger protection for animals in need.

 

“Every stray animal deserves more than survival. They deserve safety, dignity and care.”

 Anđela Španović, Founder of WagWag

Our Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina

OIPA’s mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina is to support the protection of stray and abandoned animals, promote responsible coexistence between people and animals, and encourage sustainable solutions to animal welfare challenges.

The work focuses on education, awareness, direct support to field volunteers, sterilisation initiatives, shelter reform, digital outreach and advocacy for greater transparency in the management of stray animal issues.

Through these activities, OIPA and its local representatives aim to build a more compassionate society where animals are treated with dignity and where communities, institutions and citizens work together to prevent suffering.

 

What We Do

OIPA in Bosnia-Herzegovina supports a wide range of activities dedicated mainly to stray dogs and cats.

The work includes educational programmes in schools and local communities, support for volunteers caring for stray animals, veterinary assistance, food donations, sterilisation campaigns, digital awareness initiatives, advocacy for shelter reforms and projects designed to improve living conditions for animals on the streets.

A key part of this work is reaching smaller towns across Bosnia-Herzegovina, where animal welfare challenges are often more difficult to address and where community education can make a significant difference.

 

“Animal welfare is not only about rescuing animals. It is about changing the system that allows them to suffer.”

 

Challenges and Our Response

Animal welfare in Bosnia-Herzegovina is closely connected to broader social and institutional challenges. The country continues to face a large population of stray animals, insufficient sterilisation programmes, limited shelter capacity and infrastructure, low public awareness, dependence on volunteers and a lack of sustainable funding.

In some areas, animal welfare is also affected by corruption, lack of transparency and limited accountability in the use of public resources intended for the care and protection of animals.

These challenges are interconnected and require long-term, coordinated solutions involving citizens, institutions, professionals, volunteers and animal welfare organisations.

OIPA’s work in Bosnia-Herzegovina, carried out by its local representatives in cooperation with WagWag, responds to these challenges through three main areas of action: transparency, education and direct intervention.

Main Areas of Activity

Education and Community Awareness

OIPA’s local representatives  promote educational programmes in schools and local communities, focusing on responsible pet ownership, sterilisation and humane treatment of animals.

These activities aim to create long-term behavioural change and encourage children, young people and families to understand the importance of compassion, prevention and responsibility towards animals.

Volunteer Support

Volunteers play a vital role in caring for stray and abandoned animals across Bosnia-Herzegovina.

In Banja Luka and other areas, many volunteers regularly provide food, organise sterilisation, support veterinary care, raise awareness, look for adoptive homes and offer temporary foster care. However, the number of animals in need often exceeds their financial and logistical capacity.

Through the WagWag app, individuals can publish and respond to SOS requests, making it easier to connect volunteers with people willing to help. Support may include food donations, contributions to veterinary expenses, temporary foster homes or assistance in urgent situations.

 

Sterilisation and Veterinary Care

Sterilisation is one of the most important tools to reduce the number of stray animals humanely and sustainably.

Whenever possible, WagWag supports free or subsidised sterilisation programmes for street cats and other stray animals. In recent months, around 300 stray cats have been sterilised.

The programme follows the Trap–Neuter–Return approach, a humane method in which street cats are safely trapped, examined and sterilised by veterinarians, allowed to recover and then returned to their original territory, where they are already adapted and cared for by local volunteers.

Sterilised cats are marked with a small heart-shaped tattoo on the ear, helping volunteers and veterinarians identify them and avoid duplicate procedures.

Through this approach, OIPA and WagWag support healthier cat colonies, reduce uncontrolled breeding and improve overall welfare for both animals and the communities that care for them.

 

 

WagWag Mobile App

WagWag has developed a mobile app and digital platform designed to improve the lives of animals while educating users about proper care, protection and animal welfare.

The platform connects pet owners, volunteers, veterinarians, shelters, animal welfare organisations and animal-related businesses, creating a more coordinated network of support.

Its first active phase, WagWag SOS, helps abandoned animals in urgent situations. Users can report animals in need, receive guidance on the most appropriate institution or service nearby, and follow updates on animals after rescue or adoption.

The app also supports shelters and animal welfare organisations by helping them share profiles of animals available for adoption, receive donations and connect more easily with potential adopters and supporters.

 

Legal Advocacy and Shelter Reform

OIPA in Bosnia-Herzegovina also supports advocacy for more transparent and humane management of public shelters.

Through field work and communication with volunteers and animal lovers across the country, WagWag has identified the need for systemic improvements in many municipal shelters, including better conditions, greater efficiency, transparent records and more humane treatment practices.

In 2024, WagWag carried out a 12-month project addressing serious concerns related to the Banja Luka City Shelter, including lack of transparency, alleged misuse of public funds and severe animal welfare concerns.

Through investigation, public mobilisation and a strong media campaign, WagWag helped prevent the same clinic from reapplying for the new shelter tender. Since then, the shelter has opened its doors to the public on a daily basis, and the city administration now involves WagWag in shelter-related matters.

Infrastructure for Stray Cats

One of most innovative projects is the Cat Hotels initiative.

Cat Hotels are open-type feeding stations designed for street cats in safe, established locations. They support existing volunteers and improve the conditions at informal feeding sites where cats are already living.

Each Cat Hotel is managed by at least one dedicated volunteer responsible for daily care, including food, water, basic maintenance and access to veterinary help when needed.

All cats that can be safely handled are included in sterilisation programmes, helping stabilise colonies and prevent further uncontrolled reproduction.

Fundraising and Charity Activities

WagWag also organises fundraising and charity activities to support abandoned animals, volunteers and veterinary treatment costs.

Among these initiatives are humanitarian pet photography events, created to raise funds for medical care while also expanding the community of animal lovers and increasing public awareness about the emotional value animals bring into families.

These events often receive strong media and social media attention, helping to reach people beyond the volunteer community and communicate the real costs, effort and responsibility involved in rescuing and rehoming animals.

 

 

Our Impact

Through these initiatives, OIPA’s local representatives and WagWag are working to create meaningful and sustainable change for animals across Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The work carried out in 2024 and 2025 reached millions of people through awareness campaigns, supported volunteers and animals in need, promoted sterilisation, improved public understanding of animal welfare and contributed to greater transparency in shelter management.

These activities will continue throughout 2026, with the goal of expanding the impact and strengthening long-term solutions for stray animals across the country.

“A more compassionate society is built through education, transparency and action.”

 

 

Contact

For further information about OIPA’s activities in Bosnia-Herzegovina, please contact:

OIPA International
international@oipa.org