Stray Dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
One of the most striking and heart-wrenching issues I've encountered here, is the stray dog problem
The Story.
It’s well before 0800 here in the village as I write this. Tamara and I have had a restless night as a result of what could only be a puppy crying from around 0200.
On waking up and going outside in the lower garden, there is a small dog whimpering near our back door. It’s obviously scared.
She/he has been dumped on the street near our house (we think we heard a car pull up about 0200) and has found a small hole in the fence, and wandered onto the property.
We said that 2 dogs and 7 cats (all rescues) would be our limit. What do we do?
But what can you do?
Both of our dogs are what are commonly known as "dodges", in other words of mixed breed. We have taken them to our Vets and the dogs have been “snipped and vaccinated”
As Tamara and I stand there discussing, there is the sound of another puppy, then another …….
It’s a litter of 4! All crying and not too happy (it seems), from the attention Fibi and Mare are giving them.
What is patently obvious is that we can’t keep them.
We will look after them, of course, until we can find somewhere better, but that’s not going to be an easy find.
We will endeavour to update you on “Notes”.
Updates are added as they occur at the bottom of this post. ⬇️
The Stray Dog Problem: A Brief Overview.
One of the most striking and heart-wrenching issues I've encountered here is the stray dog problem. It's a subject that elicits a wide range of emotions in me.
Stray dogs are indeed a common sight in many parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. They roam the streets, scavenge for food, and often form packs (thats certainly true here in the village). I am fully aware that this issue is not unique to Bosnia; many countries around the world grapple with stray animal populations. However, the situation here is particularly poignant due to a combination of historical, economic, and cultural factors.
Bosnia's turbulent recent history, has left deep scars on its society and infrastructure. Economic hardships have also played a significant role in exacerbating the stray dog problem. Many people simply do not have the resources to care for their pets, leading to abandonment and a growing population of strays.
Public Health Concerns.
Stray dogs can pose significant public health risks. They can be carriers of diseases such as rabies, which is although relatively rare in Bosnia, the risk still exists, and it reinforces the importance of addressing this problem from a public health perspective.
Safety Issues.
Stray dogs can sometimes become aggressive, especially when they form packs. This can lead to dangerous encounters, where children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable. There have been numerous reports of people being bitten or chased by stray dogs, leading to injuries and, in some cases, sadly, fatalities.
Economics.
Tourism, which is a vital industry for Bosnia, can be negatively affected by the sight of stray animals. Tourists may feel uncomfortable or unsafe, potentially deterring them from visiting certain areas. Additionally, the cost of managing stray dog populations, including medical treatment for dog bites and disease control, can strain local resources. In our municipality I think thats the case (but don’t quote me).
Animal Welfare.
The plight of stray dogs is a significant animal welfare issue. Many of these animals suffer from malnutrition, disease, and injuries. They live in harsh conditions, often exposed to extreme weather without adequate shelter.
The sight of sick and injured dogs is heart-wrenching and raises ethical questions about how society treats its most vulnerable members.
Look, I know that this all seems like doom and gloom, but there are positive aspects as well. It’s good to end with positivity. Right?
Community Initiatives and Volunteerism.
Many Bosnians are deeply compassionate and have taken it upon themselves to care for stray dogs. There are numerous grassroots organisations and individuals who dedicate their time and resources to feeding, sheltering, and providing medical care for these animals.
International Support and Collaboration.
The stray dog problem in Bosnia has started to gather international attention, leading to support from animal welfare organisations around the world. These organisations often collaborate with local groups to provide funding, resources, and expertise. Such partnerships have led to the establishment of shelters1, vaccination campaigns, and spay/neuter programs2, all of which contribute to managing the stray dog population humanely and effectively.
Continued collaboration with international animal welfare organisations can provide innovative solutions that have been successful in other parts of the world.
Educational Programs.
Education plays a crucial role in addressing the stray dog problem. There are ongoing efforts to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the humane treatment of animals. Schools, community centres, and media campaigns are instrumental in changing attitudes and behaviours towards stray animals.
Legislation.
Strong legislation is essential to protect animals and ensure responsible pet ownership. Laws should mandate spaying and neutering, regulate breeding, and impose penalties for abandonment and abuse. Additionally, enforcement mechanisms must be in place to ensure compliance and protect the rights of animals.
However, I don’t personally see that happening anytime soo. Sad maybe, but that’s the reality in Bosnia and Herzegovina today.
The Wrap Up.
The stray dog problem in Bosnia is a complex issue that reflects broader social, economic, and cultural challenges. While there are significant negative aspects, including public health risks, safety concerns, and animal welfare issues, there are also many positive aspects that highlight the resilience and compassion of the Bosnian people.
Community initiatives, volunteerism, international support, and educational programs are all making a difference in addressing the stray dog problem. By adopting a multilevel approach that includes spay and neuter programs, shelters, legislation, and international collaboration, Bosnia and Herzegovina can work towards a more humane and sustainable solution.
So, the next time you visit this beautiful country, and see stray dogs roaming about, take a moment to appreciate the efforts being made to address “the stray dog problem”. Perhaps consider supporting a local shelter, volunteering your time, or even adopting a stray dog. Yes, there is a system whereby you can take a local dog home with you. But maybe not straight then and there!
Together, we can make a difference and ensure a better life for these vulnerable animals.
If you are from Bosnia and Herzegovina and reading this, or want to find out about helping dogs in the country check out Dogs Trust Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Subsequent Updates
We have organised a Temporary safe space for them ⬆️
Hello and thank you for writing! It is really nice of you to take care of the poor puppies. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case, despite the large amount of effort and funds we used to help improve dog welfare, especially via mass neutering which prevented, we can say with confidence, hundreds of thousands of new dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina to end up alone and without human care. The local authorities are in charge of implementing animal welfare legislation, and their initiative, although getting stronger, is still not wide spread and sufficient to have a functional, humane dog population management system. Unfortunately, in Bosnia Dogs Trust does not have our rehoming centre or any kind of place where we can accept and take care of the puppies. we advise you to try to call the shelter for dogs in the city of Banja Luka, and check with them the possibility of taking care of dogs. We truly hope these lovely puppies will get a chance to find happy forever home. Best wishes - Reply to my enquiry from Dogs Trust BiH.
Establishing and supporting shelters and rescue centres is crucial. These facilities provide a safe haven for stray dogs, offering food, medical care, and the opportunity for adoption. Shelters also play a vital role in educating the public and advocating for animal welfare.
One of the most effective ways to control the stray dog population is through spay and neuter programs. By reducing the number of unwanted litters, these programs can significantly decrease the number of stray dogs over time. These initiatives need to be widely accessible and affordable to encourage participation.
Looks as bad as Mexico's situation is.