Written by Dalida Kozlic L.L.B, lawyer and activist, Breza, BiH

Demonstrations against illegal dog catchers of P. C. „Lokom“ Ltd. Novi Grad Sarajevo were held in front of the headquarters of the Municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo on 4th April between 1 p. m. until 3 p.m.

More than 300 activists, rescuers and citizens were present during the demonstrations. Journalists followed the demonstrations and have published the demands of rescuers and citizens.

The aim of the demonstration was to express displeasure at the illegal and criminal activities of dog catchers who have been killing stray dogs and stealing money from the budget in Canton Sarajevo for two years.

A notorious and illegal group of dog catchers was established in the municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo on 30th May of 2013. This so-called “Hygienic service” was not established and registered in accordance with the article 29 of Animal Protection and Welfare Act as well as Ordinance on establishing and conditions that hygienic services must fulfil. Since then, thousands of stray dogs have been killed in Sarajevo. The worst thing is that they have the support of the Inspectorate of Veterinary Inspection of Canton Sarajevo and the Administration of Police of Canton Sarajevo. The paradox is that the veterinary inspection and the police, who are obliged to stop and punish illegal dog catchers, support them and protect their illegal activities. Stray dogs, which are caught by dog catchers, are placed in former military building “Safet Zajko” in Sarajevo. Mustafa Mrkulic, a veterinarian, dispatches the dogs in the veterinary station that is established and owned by the municipality of Novi Grad Sarajevo.

This illegal hygienic service invoices food, medications, veterinary services, placement, fuel, catching for dead dogs. Evidence for this was presented to Bosnian police officers and prosecutors. The Prosecutor’s office of Canton Sarajevo has started investigating allegations and evidences that Dalida Kozlic had presented in many criminal reports against illegal dog catchers. It is one of the worst violations of the Criminal Code in Bosnian history.

During the demonstrations citizens have demanded that authorities implement the Act on Protection and Welfare of Animals of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would lead to solving of the problem of stray animals in a humane and legal way.

The Bosnian Act on Protection and Welfare of Animals is one of the best in Europe but no one is interested in implementing it. Corrupt authorities are often involved in illegal killing of stray and wild animals in their money laundering activities. Stray animals are victims of notorious torture. Politically eligible persons construct so-called shelters for stray animals, which are essentially concentration camps, and they invoice false spay/neuter programs, for food that is never be given to animals, for veterinary examinations and treatment, and at the end for the means for euthanasia. In reality, the stray animals are tortured, and killed in worst possible ways, by methods which the medieval Inquisition would be envious. It is illegal and represents a series of violations of Criminal law as well as Animal Protection and Welfare Act of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Also the demonstrations were symbolic because the 4^th April is the International day of stray animals. Many citizens brought pictures and candles for all stray dogs that have been killed by illegal dog catchers.

See also: Sarajevo: Dogs Have the Right to Live on Journalists for Animals

News articles on BiH portals:
Sarajevo: Ispred Općine Novi Grad protest protiv nelegalnog ubijanja pasa
Sarajevo: Protest protiv ubijanja pasa

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This site is dedicated to Vučko. Read his story and don’t let him have suffered and died in vain. Please help the stray dogs and cats in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The situation there is utterly dire, Vučko is but one amongst many horrifically abused animals. Even just one dollar or one euro will help make a difference.