Romanian Stray Dogs - Court of Appeal Suspends Execution Methodology of "Killing Law" - by Dr Rita Pal

International animal welfare organisation Four Paws has worked tirelessly to challenge the much criticised law on the execution of stray dogs in Romania. The law came into effect in October 2013 amid mass protests on and off the internet. The methodology to be applied to ending the lives of stray dogs came to be known in December 2013. Mass executions began nationwide thereafter. The cruelty and wicked treatment of vulnerable dogs in Romania is now infamous. A number of members of the European Parliament offered a scathing indictment of Romania's conduct . It is a well-known fact that the execution law has paved the way for a licence to kill and neglect these animals in the worst ways possible. All animal welfare organisations have unanimously agreed that the mass execution of stray dogs is not an ethical way to achieve population control.

In an interesting poll conducted by Four Paws, even the Romanian people were not in favour of such executions , with 62% of Romanians stating that they are against the killing of stray dogs. A large number of Romanians agree with alternative solutions to the increasing number of stray dogs in Romania: 84% prefer the option of keeping stray dogs in animal shelters and 72% agree with the docile ones being returned to the streets, providing that they are neutered beforehand. A notable finding: 66% would not vote for a political party that supports the euthanasia of stray dogs and 7% would even adopt a stray. In addition, more than 98,000 people supported Four Paw's SOS Romania call to quash the law which allows the killing of stray dogs.

In January 2014, Four Paws challenged the methodological norms, arguing that there are several aspects therein that contradict laws of higher force. "For example, according to this methodology, the local authorities could delegate the management of the stray dogs to any private company. This may open the floodgates to conflict of interests and haemorrhaging public funds", explains Gabriel Paun, Director of Campaigns at Four Paws. "Another example: public access to shelters was restricted, and consequently the adoptions were largely restricted." Firstly, Four Paws called on the Romanian Government to freeze the methodology, but unfortunately the Government dismissed the request. Therefore, in March 2014, FOUR PAWS challenged it at the Court of Appeal in Bucharest.

Last Friday [20th June 2014], the Bucharest Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the international animal welfare organisation Four Paws, and suspended the execution methodology of the stray dogs euthanasia law. According to the official communication of the Court of Appeal, the entire governmental decision is suspended. As a result of this judgment, the suspended methodology no longer holds any applicable norms or legal framework to capture stray dogs, nor to issue a decision to kill them. This came into effect immediately.

"The Court's decision to suspend the killing norms is a clear, independent signal that things do not work so far with the new killing law", says Gabriel Paun. "It brings us confidence in our goal to bring about a change from an emotional to a rational way to manage the stray dogs humanely. With the financial support of our donors we have sterilised over 100,000 strays in Romania. The organisation offers further support in this direction but our efforts will only bring safe streets and welfare for the dogs if we are backed up by a rational law and support from all municipalities", stresses Paun.

It is clear that this victory has not gone down well with the beleaguered and hapless Authority for the Supervision of Protection of Animals [ASPA]. The authority was last involved in a brutal massacre of dogs belonging to Four Paws. . In a blustering reaction, R. Bancescu (the project leader of the authority in Bucharest) said, " City Hall will continue to euthanise stray dogs". He asks the government to challenge the Court of Appeal's decision. The deadline for this is the 1st July 2014, before the court vacation commences.

Of course, any challenge he wishes to support will be against evidence-based dog population management, supported by the European Parliament and every animal welfare organisation in the world. It will also be against the Romanian population's own wishes.

In the meantime, this court victory is a welcome ray of light for Romanian stray dogs. Four Paws should be congratulated for their brave challenge. Their journey has been difficult and fraught with repeated harassment from the authorities. Nevertheless, justice is being served.

The bigger and more important question is this - will the Romanian authorities pay heed to this ruling, or will they merely conduct executions in secret?

RELATED INFORMATION

Governmental Decision no. 1059/2013 for the application of the Killing law 258/2013

- The official website of the Bucharest Court of Appeal: The Case: 

Dr Pal's article was initially posted in the Huffington Post.

Dr Rita Pal has written quite a few excellent articles on the Romanian stray dogs issue already - you'll find them all at: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/rita-pal/ 

Application of the Law on the management of stray dogs is the subject of dispute between different NGOs and civic initiatives , some wanting solve the problem through euthanasia and other campaigning to encourage adoptions and delaying radical solution .

Originally published here.

An adviser to the minister and director Constantin Nita Hidroelectrica custody for 29 days 2:59 p.m.

The European Commission organizes a conference dedicated to the welfare of dogs and cats in EU 2:56 p.m.

 The application of the law " strays " disputed by proponents of euthanasia and animal lovers.

The law has caused dispute (no. 258/2013 ) states, inter alia, within 14 working days the dogs are kept in shelters, after which , if they are not claimed or adopted , may be euthanized .

Those interested in how it could be applied normative act to express their views in the public debate on Wednesday at the headquarters of the National Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Authority ( ANSVSA ) . This institution has launched a public debate on 11 October a draft detailed rules for the application of the law, those interested can send comments and suggestions on its edge.

Among those present at the meeting were representatives from ANSVSA Initiative for Civic Responsibility ( IREC ) Desprecopii.com community , Mothers for Mothers Association , Zeromaidanezi.ro , Association Pro Civilization 21st century who championed the adoption of Law no . 258/2013 , which they called " Ionut 's Law " , named after the child strays torn on 2 September in the capital.

On the other hand, came representatives of NGOs advocating for the protection of animals , and FOUR PAWS Association " doggy , doggy " Alliance for Combating Abuse, National Federation for the Protection of Animals , who were joined by former Senator Marius Marinescu initiator of Law 205/2004 on the protection of animals.

However , about 20 people with signs that had messages written against euthanasia stood in front of the ANSVSA , throughout the debate over two hours .

The discussion on the draft rules was moderate methodological ANSVSA President Vladimir Mănăstireanu , who sat with other representatives of the chair and deputy Liviu Harbuz , President of the College of Veterinarians , Viorel Andronie , and two local authorities : Tarita Culita Neamt County Council Vice President and deputy from Eduard forthe Vîrlan . The latter were invited to give an example of management models stray dogs after the experience of the communities they represent.

The main points of the rules on which the observations were made were: period of 14 days the dog took shelter on the street must be held before it can be put down , given that adoption can be made , access to housing, representatives NGOs and the actions of a veterinarian catching dogs .

Many participants in the debate , from both "sides " have demanded that both stray dogs register and register of stray dogs to be public and available online for anyone to check if an animal was abondonat and to whom belongs .

Supporters showed that adoptions baths for 14 days may be insufficient for an international adoption is required at least one month. And vice Neamt County Council said that this term should be at least 30 days , while the deputy forthe showed that municipality that is arranged in addition to shelter, additional space for adoptions , where dogs are kept longer if to be taken abroad.

" It does not seem normal for a dog to be kept more than 14 days old public money when starving and children 's allowance of £ 42 ," said another participant instead the debate , Alina Dinicu , which recommended as a " responsible citizen " that is part of IREC .

Under proposed amendments to the draft rules , IREC opposes adoptions "remote" ( which involve keeping the dog shelter adopter money , no) , arguing that there is no place in public shelters for 1 percent of the dogs in the streets , and distance adoptions will block housing activity .

In turn , Alina Predescu from Desprecopii.com , said he does not agree to spend the money for billboards promoting citizens adoptions .

"No I do not agree to kill dogs on my money. Had we ask all you want to do with our money I have to pay any tax ," he said instead Codruţ Feher , from Alliance to address abuses .

This , and other representatives of NGOs dealing with animal protection , said that adoptions should be able to do on the weekend.

If according to the draft rules , those who take a minimum of three dogs must have the approval of neighbors by neighbors understood that the adopter has at least one common wall , IREC believes this wording " restricted " , asking the neighbors to be defined as " residential premises owners or tenants of an apartment building or those living in the vicinity of the housing to be housed dogs ."

Regarding access to municipal shelters , those animal protection NGOs asked to be allowed to visit these places to photograph and film . " I went to take pictures Pallady dogs for adoption. They called police who deleted my photos and was fined ," said Roxana Achim , volunteer , adding that " there is a terrible mess ," and would like access to clean houses primăriri including time and money on them.

" A month ago I was at Pallady Prosecutor in control. Spotted including rabies vaccine expired two years. Someone I do not know if something happened ," he said Kuki Barbuceanu , project coordinator within FOUR PAWS .

On the other hand , the comments IREC the draft includes detailed rules that only visits the housing to be made for adoption , as a " continuous scrolling may cause tensions to staff and dogs ," and further " manufacture of false evidence risk of poisoning of dogs . "

Another disputed issue is the possibility that animal welfare NGOs to participate in the actions of catching dogs in the draft rules .

A representative of the Mothers for Mothers Association showed that these NGOs are used to notify animal lovers in the community to come pound to house the dogs in the house, but also to prevent the effectiveness of capturing action .

However, IREC opposes the presence of a veterinarian at capturing action , arguing that " hiring vets catching up costs " and they did not find where veterinarians many local governments .

Instead, the Alliance representative to address abuses revealed that physician presence is required , as can be assumed stunning, capturing the dog, substances that can be used as drugs .

Kuki Barbuceanu also proposed that euthanasia can assist a veterinarian employee of an NGO for animal welfare, as " there is no doubt that killing the dogs with a club ."

Deputy Alan Harbuz said at the end of the debate, there will be a list of about 100 veterinarians, proposed by the College of Veterinarians of which NGOs may designate representatives to attend euthanasia .

Euthanasia is by injection with barbiturates , excluding physical methods , said President of the College of Veterinarians , Viorel Andronie .

Meanwhile, president ANSVSA said that the expiry of 14 days , each dog was not claimed or adopted will be " discussed " and will be euthanized , " by individual decision ."

The decision for euthanasia of dogs that have not been claimed , adopted or maintained directly or remotely in the house , after the expiration of 14 days from their accommodation will be issued by the mayor's attorney by completing a form, provides draft rules methodology.

"We encourage local councils to keep dogs lifetime , if any budget. Encourage adoptions But mostly ," said Mănăstireanu .

The draft detailed rules for the application of Law no. 258/2013 will be adopted by government decision , expected to be completed and submitted to the Executive by the end of November , according to representatives ANSVSA .

Mayor of Drobeta-Turnu Severin in denial. National TV features dog neglect.

Reality to Report "The declared intention of euthanasia all stray dogs in the city, the mayor of Turnu Severin managed to put back, Romania on the headlines in the West"

Reality to Report featured the Huffington Post article on animal cruelty in Romania. 

The Mayor of Drobeta-Turnu Severin is in denial. Please watch the entire programme here 

The Mayor denies the images featured by the local media here but offers no proof that the images are false. For four years, this report was never denied. Interesting how its authenticity is now questioned. Perhaps the Mayors have no other defence

See Occupy For Animal's take on it.

In Brasov, strays will be euthanized

Author: Ionut DINCĂPosted on October 22, 2013. Translated from Original Link.

Teams pound each action will be accompanied by a representative of the Association "Millions of Friends", and after the deadline can be accommodated in the municipal shelter dogs will be cared for by the association.

In Brasov, strays will be euthanized

Brasov authorities have found a solution to the four-legged stray high on the public not to be euthanized after the 14 days that can be kept in the shelter of the municipality and are not claimed or adopted. Brasov City Hall, the Public Service Management Animal enter into a partnership with "Millions of Friends", so after this deadline stipulated by law, until the dog is adopted or will get "export" of caring for strays to association handle, Law 258/2013 establishes that stray animals that are raised on the streets and are not claimed or adopted within a maximum of 14 days may be euthanized by authorities. 

Two teams pound

Also, next month will act with two crews pound the streets of Brasov, in two shifts, each team will be composed of three persons, one of which is representative of the Association "Millions of Friends". "Through this partnership will be implemented after the City Council meeting this month we will take a decision in this regard, we will raise the dogs from the streets, not kill them, so everyone is happy. Seizure activity and will be by public transport management service animals, but with the support of employees at "Millions of Friends". And asylum work from Stupini will run under the supervision of the Service, and a representative of the Association. After passing period prescribed by law, stray dogs will be cared for by the Association , "said Deputy Mayor Adrian atom (photo). "This cooperation agreement will remove any doubt about what happens to these dogs after they are taken the streets. Problem dogs has become a social problem and no animal protection associations or authorities if acting alone can not solve " , added Cristina Lapis (pictured), president of the Association "Millions of Friends". 

And Braşov should be more responsible

This underlined the fact that Brasov has to be more responsible, because the streets are not strays refill. "abroad, no one is allowed to leave the dog in the street, but we still have major problems in this sense. These stray dogs do not fall from the sky, but still end up on the streets of negligence. It is also in the interest of the animals to be microchipped, and neutered, so not to have health problems later, such as the occurrence of tumors. However, if a dog is microchipped and lost is found more easily. If you love a dog and have to be responsible. Do not leave the block and then do 11 chickens, as I had a recent case. In vain they collect if they multiply continuously. We have to stop, not to produce dogs. I think we all want a city with no dogs on the streets, but without euthanasia " , explained Lapis.

750 dogs currently in shelters  in Brasov

After upgrading, homes can be hosted at Stupini 300 quadrupeds, and at the Yard, belonging to the Association "Millions of Friends", 600. Currently, Stupini just 150 dogs, most of which is already taken by the association, but the shelter yard is now full. In March, and so far, 48 dogs were adopted and town officials will initiate a campaign to popularize the adoption and hopes that this action will involve other animal welfare organizations that can not handle on the maintenance them. "We do advertising that will promote adoptions and also will sign a partnership with the School Inspectorate to do a campaign to educate children regarding the protection of animals and the environment, things got a little distant lately " , said Adrian atoms. 

Regarding the "export strays" procedures are not simple, but quite expensive. In ten years, "Millions of Friends" managed to send abroad nearly 8,000 quadrupeds. So far this year, arrived in Germany, England and France 150 dogs until recently walked the streets of the city.

Any dog ​​is neutered for free

Compared to other cities in Brasov Association "Millions of Friends" Free sterilize any dog. Those who want to castrate dog can program the telephone number 0268,471,202. Are invited especially those who have dogs at the premises of companies and which often end up on the street. "sterilization costs to veterinary practices between 200 and 300 USD, depending on the size of the animal, but we do it for free. When dogs are on industrial sites can be contacted and we come and take dogs, sterilize them, vaccinate them and then bring them back, " said Cristina Lapis.

Euthanasia Law - APPEALED TO THE COURT OF JUSTICE OF THE EU

Euthanasia of stray dogs is possible since September 10 when he entered the Law no. 258/2013. According to this, if a dog from a shelter not find master in 14 days, will be euthanized. National Federation for the Protection of Animals plans to attack this law to the ECJ.

FNPAIA proposes mass sterilization of stray dogs, educational programs in schools and accountability of owners of animals, euthanasia instead.

"Since the killing program applied for over 15 years in Romania did not give any results, we propose a program of mass sterilization, identification and adoption of stray dogs.

We propose and educational programs in schools and awareness for current owners of animals to the responsibilities that they have, because we consider these things as the only real solutions to solve the problem of stray dogs and civilized, "he said Tuesday at the a press conference, the president of the National Federation for Animal Protection Monitoring Team), Carmen Arsene.

Along FNPAIA president, was present at the conference and Princess Maja von Hohenzollern, animal rights activist who, on September 12, addressed the Constitutional Court judges, President Traian Basescu and Prime Minister Victor Ponta a letter of protest.

"Please stop this bloody slaughter of stray dogs and angry. Have you pushed the country to a bloody massacre of a size difficult to understand, in which thousands of stray dogs were shot, poisoned, killed or burned alive. It is a matter of consternation and international protests, "said Princess Maja

See more at: http://www.mondonews.ro/eutanasirea-cainilor-comunitari-atacata-la-curtea-de-justitie-a-ue/#comment-10521

The Drobeta-Turnu Severin Dog Executions

Read the article on the Huffington Post here.

Puppies Killed by Zooland Tecuci

Today's update from here. 

Today 18.10.2013 I was at Tecuci Public Shelter to visit Fetita and her puppies but NONE of the puppies are there anymore :((( ......I asked the Director and one of the carer and they could not give me an answer , the director just said " they died" ,I asked why and he just told me " I don't know" . I wanted to adopt Fetita but he said to me that just in the next week I can go after her , to adopt her, even if someone just left the shelter with an adopted dog when I entered in, and more then that he told me that I have to pay for everyday Fetita spent on the shelter 16 Ron (aprox. 2.5 punds per day) , adoption rate 150 lei (26.78 pounds) and capture and transport charges !!

More , the director has told me that he can kill the dog in 14 days because on euthanasia law , and said " No, you can not , cuz' the Mayor said he wont aply the euthansia law in Tecuci Shelter " !!! I'm afraid I'm not gonna find Fetita alive next week when I wanna go after her. 

Mayor Radu Peas on the dog killing trail

Mayor Radu Peas said yesterday that the law on stray dogs in Constanta will be applied on 1 January 2014 by then will be published and rules enforcement. The mayor also said that in the next period will be invited to tender for the appointment of the firm that will handle stray dogs. Online Advertising "Perhaps we will begin to apply the law from 1 January on next year's budget. I talked to find money for it, we'll get down to make a new tender to be exactly in line with the law, captured, held two weeks, euthanized and not have discussions that I extended the current contract " said Pea. He noted that estimated that in a year and a half the number of stray dogs on the streets of Constanta to reduce to zero. The mayor said that after preliminary calculations municipality will spend 100 euros for maintaining a stray two weeks, after which time it will be euthanized if not adopted in the meantime. The mayor added that it intends to keep the dogs in the shelter more than the law requires that the money you spend with them may be given to needy people. "At 100 euros in two weeks, a month to host a dog would be 200 euros. 200 euros seems that the average income is somewhere, come better take this money and give it to people, "said Pea. He believes that it is okay for people to have only qualms killing dogs, and other animals not slaughtered for human consumption. "I do not like the Pharisees. I know we love animals, I know you feel sorry for him, it's not normal to kill him, that we have a soul, but when we eat lambs those who look at us with gentle eyes, we have no problem. Fill Matula, stand him up and panting and I killed those guys and we have no remorse. We have problems of conscience only with dogs, not right " , added the peas. 

 According to the deputy Decebal promise in Constanta is estimated there are about 10,000 stray dogs being taken into account only in the public domain, not stray dogs on the industrial platform of the ports or the courts companies, their total of stray dogs in Constanta is possible to reach 20,000. What will happen to stray dogs in Mangalia Mangalia Mayor Cristian Radu , had a meeting with NGOs to discuss lo-quality problem of stray dogs in the city. During the discussions, representatives of NGOs, along with a few animal lovers present at the meeting, agreed with the mayor's proposal, on the start of a public campaign for the adoption of stray dogs in the municipality. "I agree with adoption dogs, if we sincerely wish all this. But unless we have your support in this regard, we have to choose euthanasia. Until then, find solutions to identify a disused farm where there is sufficient space for building a high capacity shelter. Some NGOs in the city we recommend setting up a shelter that would have cost 200,000 euros municipality only for a capacity of 400 seats. Mangalia Hall lacks these amounts for such a question. With this money we can help pensioners, children with disabilities and other disadvantaged groups " , said Mayor Cristian Radu. It was also established that when finding a location for shelter NGOs bear the costs for cages and to find solutions for the price of sterilization. "If the price is the same as sterilization of dogs euthanasia prefer to sterilize them," he said Cristian Radu.

577 Dogs Due to be Killed

Translated from original link here.

Although mostly stray dogs problem was solved in Drobeta Turnu Severin, the Mayor has decided to proceed with the euthanasia of 577 animals in the shelter are now city hall. The mayor said that does nothing to enforce the law and that does not seem normal monthly amounts that are spent for the maintenance of a dog to be higher than those for an elder or dependent child. "can not accept to pay more for maintenance of a dog than an old man in need maintenance or maintenance of a child. When we apply the law, probably to spend and less to carry out the work, with tight, with sterilizers, with maintenance there. I am glad that those who decide nationwide concluded that attention must be paid first, then these unfortunate people and stray animals, "said Mayor Severin. 

According to him, the problem is almost solved stray dogs in Turnu Severin . "Even if it was discord in this segment, I did not hesitate to do the job, as was the law then incomplete and does not benefit us a lot. I say that we have succeeded in large part to keep in check the stray dog problem. I do not pretend to say that I got it, but I controlled it, "said Mayor Constantin Gheorghe. shelter from the edge Severin is now 577 stray dogs. According to data provided by the accounting service hall, controlling the spread of stray dogs annually hall costs 1.2 to 1,300,000 lei, ie around 100,000 monthly. 

According to Chapter XI of the draft implementing rules of law, unclaimed or euthanize dogs have been adopted within 14 days will be decided by an appointee of the mayor, who will only issue the euthanasia of stray dogs in public shelters. Euthanasia may only be carried out free practice veterinarians and unsupported methods and procedures are chemical methods by administering various toxic substances, and mechanical methods, such as incineration, exsanguination (blood removal-no) or drowning animal.

Romania, threatened with exclusion from the European Union if stray dogs will be slaughtered

Translated from Original Link here.

Representatives of the International Animal Life in Switzerland announced that they are totally against the law 258/2013, which allows euthanasia or unclaimed stray dogs have been adopted within 14 days. They say they will opt out of Romania in the European Union when the authorities of our country will not take action and will not stop euthanasia stray animals.

Moreover, they argue that the only effective solution for managing and addressing mass sterilization of stray dogs is their, not killing them. "Law 258/2013 is against the European Convention ratified by Romania and clearly contradicts EU rules on animal protection," it said in a statement sent by representatives of Animal Life, inform truth.

They also say that euthanasia destroy morality and human dignity of affecting physical and psychological welfare of society, denying the constitutional right to physical and mental integrity.

In addition to the appeal made by the authorities of our country, representatives of the Association and the European Parliament urged the European Commission to take a firm stand and use all legal options to stop penhtru "massacre of dogs" in our country.

Driving Animal Life said if Romania will continue "abuse of power" and will not try to stop the law allowing euthanasia quadrupeds stray require exclusion of our country in the European Union.