The society and animal welfare - Bulgaria
Social background
During Socialist times (pre-1990's) it was very rare to see a stray dog in Bulgaria. In a way, people were more responsible about companion animal ownership and not everyone could have a dog or a cat. If you lived in an apartment block in Sofia and you threw out a litter of puppies in the neighborhood, people would tell on you, you couldn't get away with things as easily as you do now.
With the political and economic changes from the 90's onward, the situation changed drastically for the people and consequently for the animals. Some people were no longer able to afford financially owning a dog and would abandon their dogs on the streets or in nearby villages so that no one would know it was them.
With the political and economic changes from the 90's onward, the situation changed drastically for the people and consequently for the animals. Some people were no longer able to afford financially owning a dog and would abandon their dogs on the streets or in nearby villages so that no one would know it was them.
The Treaty of San Stefano was signed on 3 March 1878 by Russia and the Ottoman Empire, and included a provision to set up an autonomous Bulgarian principality roughly on the territories of the Second Bulgarian Empire. It never went into effect, as the Great Powers immediately rejected the treaty out of fear that such a large country in the Balkans might threaten their interests. It was superseded by the subsequent Treaty of Berlin, signed on 13 July, provided for a much smaller state comprising Moesia and the region of Sofia, leaving large populations of Bulgarians outside the new country. This played a significant role in forming Bulgaria's militaristic approach to foreign affairs during the first half of the 20th century.
The Bulgarian principality won a war against Serbia and incorporated the semi-autonomous Ottoman territory of Eastern Rumelia
in 1885, proclaiming itself an independent state on 5 October 1908. In
the years following independence, Bulgaria increasingly militarised and
was often referred to as "the Balkan Prussia". Between 1912 and 1918,
Bulgaria became involved in three consecutive conflicts—two Balkan Wars and World War I. After a disastrous defeat in the Second Balkan War, Bulgaria again found itself fighting on the losing side as a result of its alliance with the Central Powers in World War I.
Bulgaria became involved in three consecutive conflicts—two Balkan Wars and World War I. After a disastrous defeat in the Second Balkan War, Bulgaria again found itself fighting on the losing side as a result of its alliance with the Central Powers in World War I.
Despite fielding more than a quarter of its population in a 1,200,000-strong army and achieving several decisive victories at Doiran and Dobrich, the country capitulated in 1918. The war resulted in significant territorial losses, and a total of 87,500 soldiers killed. More than 253,000 refugees emigrated to Bulgaria from 1912 to 1929 due to the effects of these wars,placing additional strain on the already ruined national economy.
The political unrest resulting from these losses led to the establishment of a royal authoritarian dictatorship by tsar Boris III (1918–1943). Bulgaria entered World War II in 1941 as a member of the Axis but declined to participate in Operation Barbarossa and saved its Jewish population from deportation to concentration camps.
The sudden death of Boris III in the summer of 1943 pushed the country into political turmoil as the war turned against Germany and the Communist guerrilla movement gained momentum. The government of Bogdan Filov subsequently failed to achieve peace with the Allies. Bulgaria did not comply with Soviet demands to expel German forces from its territory, resulting in a declaration of war and an invasion by the USSR in September 1944. The Communist-dominated Fatherland Front took power, ended participation in the Axis and joined the Allied side until the war ended.
The political unrest resulting from these losses led to the establishment of a royal authoritarian dictatorship by tsar Boris III (1918–1943). Bulgaria entered World War II in 1941 as a member of the Axis but declined to participate in Operation Barbarossa and saved its Jewish population from deportation to concentration camps.
The sudden death of Boris III in the summer of 1943 pushed the country into political turmoil as the war turned against Germany and the Communist guerrilla movement gained momentum. The government of Bogdan Filov subsequently failed to achieve peace with the Allies. Bulgaria did not comply with Soviet demands to expel German forces from its territory, resulting in a declaration of war and an invasion by the USSR in September 1944. The Communist-dominated Fatherland Front took power, ended participation in the Axis and joined the Allied side until the war ended.
The left-wing uprising of 9 September 1944 led to the abolition of monarchic rule, but it was not until 1946 that a single-party people's republic was established. It became a part of the Soviet sphere of influence under the leadership of Georgi Dimitrov (1946–1949), who laid the foundations for a rapidly industrialising stalinist state which was also highly repressive with thousands of dissidents executed. By the mid-1950s standards of living rose significantly, while political repressions were lessened.
By the 1980s both national and per capita GDP quadrupled, but the economy remained prone to debt spikes, the most severe taking place in 1960, 1977 and 1980. The Soviet-style planned economy saw some market-oriented policies emerging on an experimental level under Todor Zhivkov (1954–1989). His daughter Lyudmila bolstered national pride by promoting Bulgarian heritage, culture and arts worldwide.
In an attempt to erase the identity of the ethnic Turk minority, an assimilation campaign was launched in 1984. This resulted in the emigration of some 300,000 of them to Turkey.
By the 1980s both national and per capita GDP quadrupled, but the economy remained prone to debt spikes, the most severe taking place in 1960, 1977 and 1980. The Soviet-style planned economy saw some market-oriented policies emerging on an experimental level under Todor Zhivkov (1954–1989). His daughter Lyudmila bolstered national pride by promoting Bulgarian heritage, culture and arts worldwide.
In an attempt to erase the identity of the ethnic Turk minority, an assimilation campaign was launched in 1984. This resulted in the emigration of some 300,000 of them to Turkey.
The Revolutions of 1989 were part of a revolutionary wave that resulted in the Fall of Communism in the Communist states of Central and Eastern Europe. The period is sometimes called the Autumn of Nations,a play on the term "Spring of Nations", used to describe the Revolutions of 1848.
The events began in Poland in 1989, and continued in Hungary, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Romania. One feature common to most of these developments was the extensive use of campaigns of civil resistance demonstrating popular opposition to the continuation of one-party rule and contributing to the pressure for change.
Romania was the only Eastern Bloc country whose people overthrew its Communist regime violently; however, in Romania itself and in some other places, there was some violence inflicted by the regime upon the population.
The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 failed to stimulate major political changes in China. However, powerful images of courageous defiance during that protest helped to spark a precipitation of events in other parts of the globe. Among the famous anti-Communist revolutions was the fall of the Berlin Wall, which served as the symbolic gateway to German reunification in 1990.
The events began in Poland in 1989, and continued in Hungary, East Germany, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, and Romania. One feature common to most of these developments was the extensive use of campaigns of civil resistance demonstrating popular opposition to the continuation of one-party rule and contributing to the pressure for change.
Romania was the only Eastern Bloc country whose people overthrew its Communist regime violently; however, in Romania itself and in some other places, there was some violence inflicted by the regime upon the population.
The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 failed to stimulate major political changes in China. However, powerful images of courageous defiance during that protest helped to spark a precipitation of events in other parts of the globe. Among the famous anti-Communist revolutions was the fall of the Berlin Wall, which served as the symbolic gateway to German reunification in 1990.
The Soviet Union was dissolved by the end of 1991, resulting in 14 countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan) declaring their independence from the Soviet Union in the course of the years 1990-91 and the bulk of the country being succeeded by the Russian Federation in December 1991.
Communism was abandoned in Albania and Yugoslavia between 1990 and 1992, the latter country split into five successor states by 1992: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (later renamed Serbia and Montenegro, and later still split into two states, Serbia and Montenegro). Serbia was then further split with the breakaway of the partially recognized state of Kosovo.
Communism was abandoned in Albania and Yugoslavia between 1990 and 1992, the latter country split into five successor states by 1992: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Slovenia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (later renamed Serbia and Montenegro, and later still split into two states, Serbia and Montenegro). Serbia was then further split with the breakaway of the partially recognized state of Kosovo.
Czechoslovakia too was dissolved three years after the end of communist rule, splitting peacefully into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1992. The impact was felt in dozens of Socialist countries. Communism was abandoned in countries such as Cambodia, Ethiopia, Mongolia, and South Yemen. The collapse of Communism (and of the Soviet Union) led commentators to declare the end of the Cold War.
Under the influence of the Revolutions of 1989 (collapsing Eastern Bloc), the Communist Party gave up its political monopoly on 10 November 1989 and Zhivkov resigned, and Bulgaria embarked on a transition to a parliamentary democracy.
The first free elections in June 1990 were won by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP, the freshly renamed Communist Party). A new constitution that provided for a relatively weak elected President and for a Prime Minister accountable to the legislature was adopted in July 1991.
The new system initially failed to improve living standards or create economic growth—the average quality of life and economic performance remained lower than under Communism well into the early 2000s. A 1997 reform package restored economic growth, but living standards continued to suffer. After 2001 economic, political and geopolitical conditions improved greatly, and Bulgaria achieved high Human Development status. It became a member of NATO in 2004 and of the European Union in 2007.
Under the influence of the Revolutions of 1989 (collapsing Eastern Bloc), the Communist Party gave up its political monopoly on 10 November 1989 and Zhivkov resigned, and Bulgaria embarked on a transition to a parliamentary democracy.
The first free elections in June 1990 were won by the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP, the freshly renamed Communist Party). A new constitution that provided for a relatively weak elected President and for a Prime Minister accountable to the legislature was adopted in July 1991.
The new system initially failed to improve living standards or create economic growth—the average quality of life and economic performance remained lower than under Communism well into the early 2000s. A 1997 reform package restored economic growth, but living standards continued to suffer. After 2001 economic, political and geopolitical conditions improved greatly, and Bulgaria achieved high Human Development status. It became a member of NATO in 2004 and of the European Union in 2007.
Social welfare
The labour force is 2.45 million people, of whom 7.1 per cent are employed in agriculture, 35.2 per cent are employed in industry and 57.7 per cent are employed in the services sector. Extraction of metals and minerals, production of chemicals, machinery and vehicle components, petroleum refining and steel are among the major industrial activities. Mining and its related industries employ a total of 120,000 people and generate about five per cent of the country's GDP.
Bulgaria is Europe's sixth-largest coal producer. Local deposits of coal, iron, copper and lead are vital for the manufacturing and energy sectors. Almost all top export items of Bulgaria are industrial commodities such as oil products, copper products and pharmaceuticals. Bulgaria is also a net exporter of agricultural and food products, of which two-thirds go to OECD countries.
It is the largest global producer of perfumery essential oils such as lavender and rose oil. Agriculture has declined significantly in the past two decades. Production in 2008 amounted to only 66 per cent of that between 1999 and 2001, while cereal and vegetable yields have dropped by nearly 40 per cent since 1990. Of the services sector, tourism is the most significant contributor to economic growth In recent years, Bulgaria has emerged as a travelling destination with its inexpensive resorts and beaches outside the reach of the tourist industry. Lonely Planet ranked it among its top 10 destinations for 2011. Most of the visitors are British, Romanian, German and Russian. The capital Sofia, the medieval capital Veliko Tarnovo, coastal resorts Golden Sands and Sunny Beach and winter resorts Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets are some of the locations most visited by tourists.
Bulgaria is Europe's sixth-largest coal producer. Local deposits of coal, iron, copper and lead are vital for the manufacturing and energy sectors. Almost all top export items of Bulgaria are industrial commodities such as oil products, copper products and pharmaceuticals. Bulgaria is also a net exporter of agricultural and food products, of which two-thirds go to OECD countries.
It is the largest global producer of perfumery essential oils such as lavender and rose oil. Agriculture has declined significantly in the past two decades. Production in 2008 amounted to only 66 per cent of that between 1999 and 2001, while cereal and vegetable yields have dropped by nearly 40 per cent since 1990. Of the services sector, tourism is the most significant contributor to economic growth In recent years, Bulgaria has emerged as a travelling destination with its inexpensive resorts and beaches outside the reach of the tourist industry. Lonely Planet ranked it among its top 10 destinations for 2011. Most of the visitors are British, Romanian, German and Russian. The capital Sofia, the medieval capital Veliko Tarnovo, coastal resorts Golden Sands and Sunny Beach and winter resorts Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets are some of the locations most visited by tourists.
Economy
Bulgaria has an emerging market economy in the upper middle income range, where the private sector accounts for more than 80 per cent of GDP. From a largely agricultural country with a predominantly rural population in 1948, by the 1980s Bulgaria had transformed into an industrial economy with scientific and technological research at the top of its budgetary expenditure priorities.
The loss of COMECON markets in 1990 and the subsequent "shock therapy" of the planned system caused a steep decline in industrial and agricultural production, ultimately followed by an economic collapse in 1997.
The economy largely recovered during a period of rapid growth several years later, but individual mean income remains one of the lowest in the EU at 768 leva (€393) per month. More than a fifth of the labour force are employed on a minimum wage of €1 per hour. Wages, however, account for only half of the total household income, owing to the substantial informal economy which amounts to almost 32% of GDP.
Bulgarian PPS GDP per capita stood at 47 per cent of the EU average in 2012 according to Eurostat data, while the cost of living was 49 per cent of the average. The currency is the lev, which is pegged to the euro at a rate of about 1.95583 levа for 1 euro. Bulgaria is not part of the eurozone and has abandoned its plans to adopt the euro.
The loss of COMECON markets in 1990 and the subsequent "shock therapy" of the planned system caused a steep decline in industrial and agricultural production, ultimately followed by an economic collapse in 1997.
The economy largely recovered during a period of rapid growth several years later, but individual mean income remains one of the lowest in the EU at 768 leva (€393) per month. More than a fifth of the labour force are employed on a minimum wage of €1 per hour. Wages, however, account for only half of the total household income, owing to the substantial informal economy which amounts to almost 32% of GDP.
Bulgarian PPS GDP per capita stood at 47 per cent of the EU average in 2012 according to Eurostat data, while the cost of living was 49 per cent of the average. The currency is the lev, which is pegged to the euro at a rate of about 1.95583 levа for 1 euro. Bulgaria is not part of the eurozone and has abandoned its plans to adopt the euro.
Economic indicators have worsened amid the late-2000s financial crisis. After several consecutive years of high growth, GDP contracted 5.5 per cent in 2009 and unemployment remains above 12 per cent. Industrial output declined 10 per cent, mining by 31 per cent, and ferrous and metal production marked a 60 per cent drop. Positive growth was restored in 2010, although investments and consumption continue to decline steadily due to rising unemployment.
The same year, intercompany debt exceeded €51 billion, meaning that 60 per cent of all Bulgarian companies were mutually indebted. By 2012, it had increased to €83 billion, or 227 per cent of GDP.
The same year, intercompany debt exceeded €51 billion, meaning that 60 per cent of all Bulgarian companies were mutually indebted. By 2012, it had increased to €83 billion, or 227 per cent of GDP.
The government implemented strict austerity measures with IMF and EU encouragement to some positive fiscal results, but the social consequences of these measures have been "catastrophic" according to the International Trade Union Confederation.
Corruption remains another obstacle to economic growth. Bulgaria is one of the most corrupt European Union members and ranks 75th in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Weak law enforcement and overall low capacity of civil service remain as challenges in curbing corruption. However, fighting against corruption has become the focus of the government because of the EU accession, and several anti-corruption programs have been undertaken by different government agencies.
Economic activities are fostered by the lowest personal and corporate income tax rates in the EU, and the second-lowest public debt of all member states at 16.5 per cent of GDP in 2012. In 2013, GDP (PPP) was estimated at $106.8 billion, with a per capita value of $14,870. Sofia and the surrounding Yugozapaden planning area are the most developed region of the country with a per capita PPS GDP of $23,162 in 2009. Bulgaria is a net receiver of funds from the EU. The absolute amount of received funds was €589 million in 2009.
Corruption remains another obstacle to economic growth. Bulgaria is one of the most corrupt European Union members and ranks 75th in the Corruption Perceptions Index. Weak law enforcement and overall low capacity of civil service remain as challenges in curbing corruption. However, fighting against corruption has become the focus of the government because of the EU accession, and several anti-corruption programs have been undertaken by different government agencies.
Economic activities are fostered by the lowest personal and corporate income tax rates in the EU, and the second-lowest public debt of all member states at 16.5 per cent of GDP in 2012. In 2013, GDP (PPP) was estimated at $106.8 billion, with a per capita value of $14,870. Sofia and the surrounding Yugozapaden planning area are the most developed region of the country with a per capita PPS GDP of $23,162 in 2009. Bulgaria is a net receiver of funds from the EU. The absolute amount of received funds was €589 million in 2009.
Animal Welfare
Sterilization was not known or offered for free by NPOs at the time so the dogs on the street would breed uncontrolled starting a chain-reaction – street dogs were increasing both due to abandonment of pets and due to breeding on the streets. In addition, the booming puppy mills where dogs are bred for money and treated as shoes or any other item you might buy off a supermarket shelf further exacerbated the problem.
When the stray dog population reached the natural limit imposed by the available resources of the environment (e.g. food and water), this is how we got to today's stray dog overpopulation.
A dense stray population is inevitably bound to cause tension in society – dogs bark, chase cars, eat from the garbage cans, toilet on the sidewalks and no one cleans after them. There are cruel people who harm dogs – shoot them, poison them, beat them etc.
People start fighting amongst themselves and dividing into dog-lovers and dog-haters. All in all, human neglect and irresponsibility has led to a problem for the whole society and to problems with animal welfare.
When the stray dog population reached the natural limit imposed by the available resources of the environment (e.g. food and water), this is how we got to today's stray dog overpopulation.
A dense stray population is inevitably bound to cause tension in society – dogs bark, chase cars, eat from the garbage cans, toilet on the sidewalks and no one cleans after them. There are cruel people who harm dogs – shoot them, poison them, beat them etc.
People start fighting amongst themselves and dividing into dog-lovers and dog-haters. All in all, human neglect and irresponsibility has led to a problem for the whole society and to problems with animal welfare.
The plight of strays
The plight of strays is one of the most visible animal welfare issues in Bulgaria today. In Sofia alone there are estimated to be 10,000 stray dogs and the number of cats is much higher.
Living on the streets, strays are exposed to the constant risk of death or maiming by accidents, illness, starvation, abuse and disappearing in the infamous isolators of Bulgaria.
It is estimated that there are about 200,000 owned dogs in Sofia, most of them unsterilized and unregistered. The numbers are significantly higher for cats due to higher reproduction rates. Most litters born of owned companion animals are unwanted and ends up on the streets in boxes and in garbage cans.
To put the above numbers in perspective, the human population of Bulgaria is less than 8 million and of the capital Sofia - less than 2 million. For a small country like Bulgaria the stray animal population density is high, leading to problems of coexistence between people and animals.
We know that strays come in all sizes, breed mixes, ages and colors; some with 4 legs, some with less; many injured and ill, but they all share 3 common characteristics: they are homeless due to human negligence, they need our help and they all deserve loving homes.
Living on the streets, strays are exposed to the constant risk of death or maiming by accidents, illness, starvation, abuse and disappearing in the infamous isolators of Bulgaria.
It is estimated that there are about 200,000 owned dogs in Sofia, most of them unsterilized and unregistered. The numbers are significantly higher for cats due to higher reproduction rates. Most litters born of owned companion animals are unwanted and ends up on the streets in boxes and in garbage cans.
To put the above numbers in perspective, the human population of Bulgaria is less than 8 million and of the capital Sofia - less than 2 million. For a small country like Bulgaria the stray animal population density is high, leading to problems of coexistence between people and animals.
We know that strays come in all sizes, breed mixes, ages and colors; some with 4 legs, some with less; many injured and ill, but they all share 3 common characteristics: they are homeless due to human negligence, they need our help and they all deserve loving homes.
A letter from Bulgaria
Bulgaria has very good, modern Animal Welfare Law (APA 2008) that forbids inhumane handling of animals and places strays under special protection. On 14 April 2011, Bulgarian Parliament passed an amendment in the Penal Code, which criminalizes Extreme Cruelty to Animals. That came onto force on 27 July, 2011. So, what is the problem then?
The problem is that Bulgaria has no enforcement body to implement the new law and therefore change can not take place. Bulgaria has no legitimate Zoo (animal) police with powers and Bulgarian police officers do not want to bother to investigate and take animal abusers to justice.
Since 27 July' 2011 we witnessed a number of extreme animal cruelty cases in Bulgaria and no criminal was caught and punished with jail term, or even with a fine.
Our complaints go unnoticed and in some cases we've been told to shut up or else (peoples personal experience) with Varna's Prosecutor's Office when people enquired about the 2-days-old puppy who's all four legs and the tail were cut off.
BULGARIAN STRAY ANIMALS LIVE AND DIE IN AGONY - CRIMINALS NEVER GET INVESTIGATED AND PUNISHED - IN MOST CASES POLICE LAUGHS OFF IT OR SIMPLY DOES NOT ACCEPT THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT STRAYS - CASES OF EXTREME CRUELTY TO ANIMALS NEVER MAKE IT TO COURT.
The problem is that Bulgaria has no enforcement body to implement the new law and therefore change can not take place. Bulgaria has no legitimate Zoo (animal) police with powers and Bulgarian police officers do not want to bother to investigate and take animal abusers to justice.
Since 27 July' 2011 we witnessed a number of extreme animal cruelty cases in Bulgaria and no criminal was caught and punished with jail term, or even with a fine.
Our complaints go unnoticed and in some cases we've been told to shut up or else (peoples personal experience) with Varna's Prosecutor's Office when people enquired about the 2-days-old puppy who's all four legs and the tail were cut off.
BULGARIAN STRAY ANIMALS LIVE AND DIE IN AGONY - CRIMINALS NEVER GET INVESTIGATED AND PUNISHED - IN MOST CASES POLICE LAUGHS OFF IT OR SIMPLY DOES NOT ACCEPT THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT STRAYS - CASES OF EXTREME CRUELTY TO ANIMALS NEVER MAKE IT TO COURT.
At the moment Bulgaria faces the following challenges in tackling the stray dog and cat overpopulation problem:
* Statistical studies indicate that in order to fully control a stray population, you need to achieve a 70 percent sterilization rate of the animals within a particular community. Once you reach the 70 percent threshold, the probability that an unsterilized female comes into contact with an unsterilized male is sufficiently small, and the population stops growing.
- Pet owners do not sterilise their pets and throw out unwanted litters on the streets.
- Cruelty against animal is illegal since July 27, 2011, but the law is enforced poorly, and people continue to torment the animals as before.
- Lack of education about the overpopulation problem and spay/neuter
- Legal and illegal puppy mills abound.
- Taxpayer money is wasted on ineffective municipal programs and not enough stray animals are sterilised to reach the impact threshold percentage of 70% of animals sterilised for TNR (trap-neuter-release) to start showing a tangible effect.*
* Statistical studies indicate that in order to fully control a stray population, you need to achieve a 70 percent sterilization rate of the animals within a particular community. Once you reach the 70 percent threshold, the probability that an unsterilized female comes into contact with an unsterilized male is sufficiently small, and the population stops growing.
The plight of strays is one of the most visible animal welfare issues in Bulgaria (EU member since 2007) today. In Sofia alone there are estimated to be 10,000 stray dogs and the number of cats is much much higher. Living on the streets, strays are exposed to the constant risk of death or maiming by accidents, illness, starvation, abuse and disappearing in the infamous isolators of Bulgaria.
It is estimated that there are about 200,000 owned dogs in Sofia, most of them unsterilized and unregistered. The numbers are significantly higher for cats due to higher reproduction rates.
Most litters born to owned pets end up on the streets in boxes and in garbage cans.
To put the above numbers in perspective, the human population of Bulgaria is less than 8 million and of the capital Sofia - less than 2 million. For a small country like Bulgaria the stray animal population density is high, leading to problems of coexistence between people and animals.
We know that strays come in all sizes, breed mixes, ages and colors; some with 4 legs, some with less; many injured and ill, but they all share 3 common characteristics: they are homeless due to human negligence, they need our help and they all deserve loving homes.
Presumed car accident - residents supplies the dog with some bread
At the moment Bulgaria faces the following challenges in tackling the stray dog and cat overpopulation problem:
Abused, sick and neglected. This is the predicament of thousands of the stray animals in Bulgaria and the authorities do NOT care!
A little bit about the history of the problem and how it came about. During Socialist times (pre-1990's) it was very rare to see a stray dog. In a way, people were more responsible about pet ownership and not everyone could have a pet.
If you lived in an apartment block in Sofia and you threw out a litter of puppies in the neighborhood, people would tell on you, you couldn't get away with things as easily as you do now.
With the political and economic changes from the 90's onward, the situation changed drastically for the people and consequently for the dogs. Some people were no longer able to afford financially owning a dog and would abandon their dogs on the streets or in nearby villages so that no one would know it was them.
It is estimated that there are about 200,000 owned dogs in Sofia, most of them unsterilized and unregistered. The numbers are significantly higher for cats due to higher reproduction rates.
Most litters born to owned pets end up on the streets in boxes and in garbage cans.
To put the above numbers in perspective, the human population of Bulgaria is less than 8 million and of the capital Sofia - less than 2 million. For a small country like Bulgaria the stray animal population density is high, leading to problems of coexistence between people and animals.
We know that strays come in all sizes, breed mixes, ages and colors; some with 4 legs, some with less; many injured and ill, but they all share 3 common characteristics: they are homeless due to human negligence, they need our help and they all deserve loving homes.
Presumed car accident - residents supplies the dog with some bread
At the moment Bulgaria faces the following challenges in tackling the stray dog and cat overpopulation problem:
- Pet owners do not sterilise their pets and throw out unwanted litters on the streets.
- Cruelty against animal is illegal since July 27, 2011, but the law is enforced poorly, and people continue to torment the animals as before.
- Lack of education about the overpopulation problem and spay/neuter
- Legal and illegal puppy mills abound.
- Taxpayer money is wasted on ineffective municipal programs and not enough stray animals are sterilised to reach the impact threshold percentage of 70% of animals sterilised for TNR (trap-neuter-release) to start showing a tangible effect.*
Abused, sick and neglected. This is the predicament of thousands of the stray animals in Bulgaria and the authorities do NOT care!
A little bit about the history of the problem and how it came about. During Socialist times (pre-1990's) it was very rare to see a stray dog. In a way, people were more responsible about pet ownership and not everyone could have a pet.
If you lived in an apartment block in Sofia and you threw out a litter of puppies in the neighborhood, people would tell on you, you couldn't get away with things as easily as you do now.
With the political and economic changes from the 90's onward, the situation changed drastically for the people and consequently for the dogs. Some people were no longer able to afford financially owning a dog and would abandon their dogs on the streets or in nearby villages so that no one would know it was them.
Sterilization was not known or offered for free by NPOs at the time so the dogs on the street would breed uncontrolled starting a chain-reaction – street dogs were increasing both due to abandonment of pets and due to breeding on the streets. In addition, the booming puppy mills where dogs are bred for money and treated as shoes or any other item you might buy off a supermarket shelf further exacerbated the problem.
When the stray dog population reached the natural limit imposed by the available resources of the environment (e.g. food and water), this is how we got to today's stray dog overpopulation.
A dense stray population is inevitably bound to cause tension in society – dogs bark, chase cars, eat from the garbage cans, toilet on the sidewalks and no one cleans after them. There are cruel people who harm dogs – shoot them, poison them, beat them etc.
People start fighting amongst themselves and dividing into dog-lovers and dog-haters. All in all, human neglect and irresponsibility has led to a problem for the whole society and to problems with animal welfare. Source
(2011) This is the tragic fate of the stray Bulgarian animals. They survive on a piece of bread every now and then. Some are lucky to have kind people feeding them, but as in most countries with stray animals, there aren't enough kind people to help all strays in need.
In Bulgaria, nearly all owned dogs are chained close to the house so they can warn their owners of visitors, effectively being used as doorbells. These dogs often live a miserable existence kept on short chains for all of their life, never taken for a walk or shown any affection - simply used as an unfeeling commodity. The only time they might be moved is when the potatoes are planted out in the fields and they are then chained there to stop the new plants being dug up by the wild pigs. Very often they will see no-one for days, can be left without water even in the height of summer, and then be thrown a heel of mouldy bread to keep them going until the next visit. Wherever they are chained, the shelter is usually inadequate or non existent and the chain is never more than 1.5 metres long, ensuring that they have to sleep and stand in their own excrement, which is never cleared away. They stand in mud or dust, in the summer they are plagued by flies and often have sores on their ears from the bites. (2010) This dog poured some person caustic liquid on, because it was fun.
(2011) Sofia - She's been starved for months and abandoned to die.
Someone had "fun" and played with the bow.
When the stray dog population reached the natural limit imposed by the available resources of the environment (e.g. food and water), this is how we got to today's stray dog overpopulation.
A dense stray population is inevitably bound to cause tension in society – dogs bark, chase cars, eat from the garbage cans, toilet on the sidewalks and no one cleans after them. There are cruel people who harm dogs – shoot them, poison them, beat them etc.
People start fighting amongst themselves and dividing into dog-lovers and dog-haters. All in all, human neglect and irresponsibility has led to a problem for the whole society and to problems with animal welfare. Source
(2011) This is the tragic fate of the stray Bulgarian animals. They survive on a piece of bread every now and then. Some are lucky to have kind people feeding them, but as in most countries with stray animals, there aren't enough kind people to help all strays in need.
In Bulgaria, nearly all owned dogs are chained close to the house so they can warn their owners of visitors, effectively being used as doorbells. These dogs often live a miserable existence kept on short chains for all of their life, never taken for a walk or shown any affection - simply used as an unfeeling commodity. The only time they might be moved is when the potatoes are planted out in the fields and they are then chained there to stop the new plants being dug up by the wild pigs. Very often they will see no-one for days, can be left without water even in the height of summer, and then be thrown a heel of mouldy bread to keep them going until the next visit. Wherever they are chained, the shelter is usually inadequate or non existent and the chain is never more than 1.5 metres long, ensuring that they have to sleep and stand in their own excrement, which is never cleared away. They stand in mud or dust, in the summer they are plagued by flies and often have sores on their ears from the bites. (2010) This dog poured some person caustic liquid on, because it was fun.
(2011) Sofia - She's been starved for months and abandoned to die.
Someone had "fun" and played with the bow.
Bulgaria (EU member since 2007) has very good, modern Animal Welfare Law (APA 2008) that forbids inhumane handling of animals and places strays under special protection. On 14 April 2011, Bulgarian Parliament passed an amendment in the Penal Code, which criminalizes Extreme Cruelty to Animals. That came onto force on 27 July, 2011. So, what is the problem then?
The problem is that Bulgaria has no enforcement body to implement the new law and therefore change can not take place. Bulgaria has no legitimate Zoo (animal) police with powers and Bulgarian police officers do not want to bother to investigate and take animal abusers to justice.
Since 27 July' 11 we witnessed a number of extreme animal cruelty cases in Bulgaria and no criminal was caught and punished with jail term, or even with a fine.
Our complaints go unnoticed and in some cases we've been told to shut up or else (peoples personal experience) with Varna's Prosecutor's Office when people enquired about the 2-days-old puppy who's all four legs and the tail were cut off.
BULGARIAN STRAY ANIMALS LIVE AND DIE IN AGONY - CRIMINALS NEVER GET INVESTIGATED AND PUNISHED - IN MOST CASES POLICE LAUGHS OFF IT OR SIMPLY DOES NOT ACCEPT THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT STRAYS - CASES OF EXTREME CRUELTY TO ANIMALS NEVER MAKE IT TO COURT.
(2011) - Varna, Bulgaria, a beautiful seaside city with the highest rate of animal cruelty crimes - Two day old puppy was brutally beaten, tortured and decapitated legs, and then thrown in a rubbish bin - the little one did not survive.
(2011) Varna - This poor cat is Bari. He was tortured in any sick way you can imagine - kicked, cut, beaten and set on fire.
February 24, 2012 - A dog hanging from a tree. No soccer playing people take any notice of the poor dog, they just play on. They do not care also if there are dogs on the playing field, they are all running over the dog - In Bulgaria no one cares for animals, and the laws are not followed. Source
(2011) Blagoevgrad - sweet, little cat, tortured mercilessly and set in flames by unknown sadists. (2010) Shoumen - This is Bera, she was about 10 year old. She lived outside a block of apartments and the locals loved her. One afternoon, 34 year old, aggressive alcoholic Nikolaii Kamenov killed her - beating her with a metal pole and kicking her, in front of a mother with her kids and 10 men, who did NOTHING to save her. She is also neutered and vaccinated as she is wearing an ID tag - She has never done anything wrong, but this is yet another case of senseless cruelty that is rampant in Bulgaria.
(2011) Vidin - In the municipal dog pound a veterinarian Dr. Ivanov incompetent has caused suffering and death of numerous stray dogs after sterilization, he is also very mean towards the stray dogs. He has been fired but was re-hired again and given green light to practice. He also refuses to work with the local Animal Rescue organization. (2010) Djebel - This poor dog was tied up in the chin and forced to run behind a car until he died.
(2010) Varna - Hit by a passing car. In Bulgaria and other countries with many stray animals, people do it on purpose. They target the poor animal and then leave their victim to die on the road.
(2010) Sofia - hanged for fun (2010) Sofia - beaten to death
(2011) - beaten dog.
Plovdov - poisoned.
(2010) Sofia - An unidentified man mercilessly cut off a stray dog's throat.
Plovdiv - kitten beheaded.
Skinned for its fur, to decorate somebody's floor.
The problem is that Bulgaria has no enforcement body to implement the new law and therefore change can not take place. Bulgaria has no legitimate Zoo (animal) police with powers and Bulgarian police officers do not want to bother to investigate and take animal abusers to justice.
Since 27 July' 11 we witnessed a number of extreme animal cruelty cases in Bulgaria and no criminal was caught and punished with jail term, or even with a fine.
Our complaints go unnoticed and in some cases we've been told to shut up or else (peoples personal experience) with Varna's Prosecutor's Office when people enquired about the 2-days-old puppy who's all four legs and the tail were cut off.
BULGARIAN STRAY ANIMALS LIVE AND DIE IN AGONY - CRIMINALS NEVER GET INVESTIGATED AND PUNISHED - IN MOST CASES POLICE LAUGHS OFF IT OR SIMPLY DOES NOT ACCEPT THEIR DUTY TO PROTECT STRAYS - CASES OF EXTREME CRUELTY TO ANIMALS NEVER MAKE IT TO COURT.
(2011) - Varna, Bulgaria, a beautiful seaside city with the highest rate of animal cruelty crimes - Two day old puppy was brutally beaten, tortured and decapitated legs, and then thrown in a rubbish bin - the little one did not survive.
(2011) Varna - This poor cat is Bari. He was tortured in any sick way you can imagine - kicked, cut, beaten and set on fire.
February 24, 2012 - A dog hanging from a tree. No soccer playing people take any notice of the poor dog, they just play on. They do not care also if there are dogs on the playing field, they are all running over the dog - In Bulgaria no one cares for animals, and the laws are not followed. Source
(2011) Blagoevgrad - sweet, little cat, tortured mercilessly and set in flames by unknown sadists. (2010) Shoumen - This is Bera, she was about 10 year old. She lived outside a block of apartments and the locals loved her. One afternoon, 34 year old, aggressive alcoholic Nikolaii Kamenov killed her - beating her with a metal pole and kicking her, in front of a mother with her kids and 10 men, who did NOTHING to save her. She is also neutered and vaccinated as she is wearing an ID tag - She has never done anything wrong, but this is yet another case of senseless cruelty that is rampant in Bulgaria.
(2011) Vidin - In the municipal dog pound a veterinarian Dr. Ivanov incompetent has caused suffering and death of numerous stray dogs after sterilization, he is also very mean towards the stray dogs. He has been fired but was re-hired again and given green light to practice. He also refuses to work with the local Animal Rescue organization. (2010) Djebel - This poor dog was tied up in the chin and forced to run behind a car until he died.
(2010) Varna - Hit by a passing car. In Bulgaria and other countries with many stray animals, people do it on purpose. They target the poor animal and then leave their victim to die on the road.
(2010) Sofia - hanged for fun (2010) Sofia - beaten to death
(2011) - beaten dog.
Plovdov - poisoned.
(2010) Sofia - An unidentified man mercilessly cut off a stray dog's throat.
Plovdiv - kitten beheaded.
Skinned for its fur, to decorate somebody's floor.
Illegal dog fights where even the police makes bets - dogs and cats strangled in trees - youths are torturing companion animals to death, for fun and bragging about it - dogs and cats are beheaded or have their legs chopped off - dogs and cats are being shot and poisoned - dogs raped in front of children.
Dogs are neutered by incompetent vets and put back on the streets shortly after, where they usually die - shelters filled with malnourished dogs surrounded by feces - dead bodies everywhere - dogs become cannibals because they are starving.
This is how the EU member state - Bulgaria - complies with animal welfare laws and protection and signed European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals!