Global animal welfare organization Four Paws has launched an emergency relief support to sterilize stray dogs in Moldova.
The project which started in November will also strengthen ties with the local community and support dogs in overcrowded shelters in the former Soviet republic.
The number of stray dogs in the country has spiraled out of control in recent years in the impoverished east European country. There are more than 20,000 stray dogs living in the Chisinau area, the group said on Tuesday.
The Vienna-based organization recently delivered much-needed emergency care to stray and shelter dogs in the greater Chisinau area.
The group says it is focusing on delivering high-quality sterilizations to at least 200 dogs this month. It will also distribute vaccinations and deworming treatment to sick and injured dogs. It will also offer support to local animal welfare groups ahead of winter.
Several private animal welfare organizations around Chisinau are struggling to provide basic care for the dogs in their kennels and feed strays, a statement said.
“We have been working on the situation for the past two years and urgent action is needed more than ever, ” said Manuela Rowlings, who heads the Four Paws Stray Animal Care Program in Europe. „The situation here is getting desperate. Every day, new dogs are either born onto the streets or dumped on the doorsteps of the already overflowing shelters. The abuse and suffering is immense.”
She said that the group is trying to improve the situation for as many dogs as possible.
Lasting results will be achieved only through „a sustainable and humane dog population management program. That includes CNVR (Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) for stray animals, sterilization for pets, adoption promotion, community engagement and education on responsible pet ownership.”
