2024-08-16 03:37:08
I have accepted the improvement of conditions as a personal cause – we have a concept for a modern home for abandoned animals, said Mayor Blagomir Kotsev
A new van, which will provide an opportunity to treat and castrate the dogs, was delivered to the shelter for stray dogs in the village of Kamenar. It is a donation from well-wishers, and with funds from the Varna municipality budget, veterinary medical equipment will be purchased – two operating tables, an operating lamp and a digital microscope, as well as two devices for hematological and biochemical analysis.
This is an extremely important technique that is not only vital to the dogs in the shelter, but also ensures
speed and high quality of all veterinarymedical activities
and procedures. Air conditioning will also be installed in the van for better comfort for the animals.
“This is just the beginning in building better conditions for stray dogs. I have taken the improvement of the shelter as a personal cause and we are already moving in this direction. We follow our concept of building a modern home for stray animals, where conscientious, animal-loving people can work people,” said Varna Mayor Blagomir Kotsev.
On his initiative, he communicates with shelters and organizations that work outside the country and apply the best global practices. In just 6 months, more dogs were neutered in the shelter in Kamenar than in the last 3 years.
Statistics show that in half a year, nearly 250 homeless animals were subjected to such manipulation, which is several times more than in previous years. In 2020, there were 68 dogs, in 2021 – 142, and in 2022 – 34. This result was achieved without changing the number of shelter jobs or the main annual budget.
“Things happen because there is a common will and desire for change. This also determines the fast pace of work,” employees add.
For the first time in many years, the management of the shelter and the volunteers are united in their efforts to help the homeless dogs in the city and provide them with humane treatment and a good living environment.
Regular meetings are held with the participation of all countries, where the measures for the development of the shelter, the possibilities of building a new home are discussed, and the efficient and quality European practices in this field are monitored.
The shelter in Kamenar is visited by volunteers every day
They are actively involved in the care of the residents there. The “Open Door Day” initiative, which promotes the adoption of animals, was also launched.
The Municipality of Varna is also working on a large-scale project to limit the number of stray dogs and cats and successfully deal with the increased population. The data show that no tangible measures have been taken on the subject in the last 5 years.
The teams that regularly monitor the homeless population identify unmarked dogs, it often happens that domestic and yard dogs from other municipalities are dumped on the territory of Varna.
The autumn campaign “Counting stray dogs and cats on the territory of Varna municipality” is already being prepared. It is expected to get the most accurate picture of the number of abandoned and homeless animals.
A huge percentage of pets dumped on the streets are not registered and do not have chips, which complicates the situation.
An important task alongside regular castrations is to strengthen control and inspections of pet dog owners and to introduce a permanent practice
to impose penalties for unregistered and unchipped animals
Owners who have been found and proven to have abandoned their pets or pets will also be fined.
Registrations and proper documentation will be required from all sites for dog breeding in accordance with the requirements of Art. 137 of the Law on Veterinary Medicine.
Joint initiatives and good partnership with local organizations, volunteers and everyone involved in the welfare and care of homeless animals continue. The shelter also relies on the support and tolerance of local people.
The municipality joins the campaign “Lend a hand – save a paw”
The municipality also participated in the campaign “Lend a hand – save a paw” together with the Rotaract Club – Varna. The goal is not only to encourage the adoption of stray animals, but also to promote adequate communication and care for dogs, as well as to change people’s attitudes towards adopting stray animals.
This month, the smallest puppies from the shelter will be special guests at the summer festival “Sruchko”. On August 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the little tailed friends will try to win the hearts of the residents of Varna. The volunteers invite everyone to lend a hand to the outstretched paws, to give hope for a family and a home and to give themselves a chance to find their pets.
People can join the campaign by taking a photo with the animals and telling more people about them, or simply giving them some of their time to play with them.