Photo: ShutterStock/Jimmysue
This year, the National Association of Hungarian Animal Defenders (MÁOSZ) will receive HUF 30 million, the Eastern Hungarian Association of Animal Defenders (KEMÁSZ) will receive HUF 32 million, and the University of Veterinary Medicine (ÁTE) will receive HUF 10 million for neutering dogs and cats.
The goal of the foundation this year is to contribute to the promotion of responsible animal husbandry and the curbing of overbreeding, especially in the region of Eastern Hungary, which has a significant population of stray animals, through neutering.
The announcement quotes Péter Ovádi, the government commissioner responsible for the development and implementation of the animal protection action plan, who emphasized that neutering is the basis of responsible animal husbandry, with the help of which the number of stray animals can be reduced and the animal protection situation for dogs and cats can be improved.
According to the government commissioner, a number of successful sterilization programs have been implemented in recent years: in 2021, 18,000 dogs and cats underwent sterilization surgery from a budget of more than 500 million forints in the Hungarian Village Program, in the 2024 tender for civil organizations with a budget of 500 million forints 277 organizations benefited from the resource, so that the organizations dealing with companion animals had to spend 20 percent of the requested support amount on neutering.
According to Szilvia Vetter, chairman of the board of trustees of the Közös Ügyün az Allatvédelm Alápítvány Animal Protection Foundation, responsible animal husbandry is not only a moral requirement, but also a legal obligation, which should be understandable and accessible to everyone, since the well-being of animals is our common interest.
“Our ultimate goal can only be to have as many companion animals as there are responsible pet owners, i.e. to reduce the number of stray animals, at the same time strengthen the culture of pet ownership, educate dog and cat owners, and in the case of legal violations, the sanctions should be consistent”
Last year, 2,130 animals – 1,380 dogs and 750 cats – underwent sterilization surgery from the foundation’s HUF 49 million grant. says the announcement.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Animal Welfare Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome! Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic affecting our furry friends—a new initiative aimed at promoting responsible animal husbandry in Hungary. Joining me is Dr. Anna Kovács, an expert in veterinary medicine and animal welfare. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kovács!
Dr. Anna Kovács (AK): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important issue.
TNE: Recently, announcements were made regarding funding for neutering programs from several organizations, including the National Association of Hungarian Animal Defenders. Can you give us a brief overview of these initiatives?
AK: Absolutely! This year, significant funds have been allocated—HUF 30 million to the National Association of Hungarian Animal Defenders, HUF 32 million to the Eastern Hungarian Association of Animal Defenders, and HUF 10 million to the University of Veterinary Medicine. The primary aim is to address the high number of stray animals, particularly in Eastern Hungary, through effective neutering programs.
TNE: That’s a substantial investment. What are the expected outcomes of these funding initiatives?
AK: The goal is to promote responsible animal husbandry and curb overbreeding, which is a major issue in various regions, especially where the stray population is high. Neutering plays a critical role; it helps control the population of stray animals and improves their overall welfare. By reducing overpopulation, we can also alleviate the strain on animal shelters and improve the living conditions for both stray and owned animals.
TNE: Péter Ovádi, the government commissioner, mentioned that neutering is fundamental for responsible animal husbandry. Why is neutering so essential in tackling stray animal populations?
AK: Neutering is vital because it directly prevents unwanted litters. When animals are not spayed or neutered, the result can be exponential population growth, leading to more strays. Neutering not only helps to control numbers but also often leads to better health for the animals involved. It reduces the risk of certain diseases and can even lead to longer, healthier lives.
TNE: We often hear about sterilization programs having success, but what are some specific achievements from previous initiatives?
AK: Yes, there have been successful programs where communities have come together to implement these practices. In several cases, after a series of neutering events, there has been a marked decrease in the number of strays reported in those areas. For example, some towns have managed to reduce stray numbers by over 30% after extensive outreach and free or subsidized neutering events. These statistics highlight how impactful these programs can be when well-supported.
TNE: It sounds like a collective effort can yield significant results. Moving forward, what role can the community play in supporting these initiatives?
AK: Community involvement is key! First, spreading awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets can encourage responsible ownership. Additionally, local communities can organize events or collaborate with veterinary clinics to provide subsidized neutering services. Volunteers can also help by fostering animals, assisting in vaccination drives, and even advocating for better animal welfare policies.
TNE: With such focused efforts in place, what do you envision for the future of animal welfare in Hungary?
AK: I am cautiously optimistic. Initiatives like these not only address immediate issues but can also create a culture of responsible pet ownership in the long run. If we keep up the momentum, raise awareness, and engage communities, we may see a significant turnaround in the stray animal crisis and a happier, healthier society for both pets and humans alike.
TNE: Dr. Kovács, thank you for your insights today! It’s clear that with collaborative efforts, we can make strides in animal welfare.
AK: Thank you! I’m hopeful for a brighter future for our animals, and it starts with conversations like this.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Let’s keep the discussion going and support responsible animal husbandry in our communities!