A litter of puppies rescued after some caring tourists found them tossed in the trash. The pups survived for only a few days.

This unfortunate dog was sprayed by bullets on a recent Saturday night, then dumped on the doorstep of a Saranda veterinarian. He was scheduled for surgery on Monday. He didn’t make it beyond Sunday afternoon.

One of Saranda’s most pressing issues right now: prolific animal abuse this summer season. Unscrupulous adults are using broken puppies as bait to solicit money from tourists. (Pup shown here has been rescued by Saranda Dog Services.)

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WARNING: The following Instagram reel contains sensitive content and may be disturbing to some viewers. (Instagram reel courtesy of Saranda Dog Services.)

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwLhuqrIvnk/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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Saranda’s mayor has made trash collection a top priority. Curbing animal abuse is apparently not high on his agenda. Just imagine visitors’ horror when they find a litter of live newborn kittens tossed into the garbage bin. (Yes, this happens.) 

Visitors to Saranda definitely notice animal abuse — and sometimes take the time to post on social media. In answer to the question here, there is no animal protection association to intervene. There ARE laws on the books, however. They are seldom, if ever, enforced.

WELCOME TO PARADISE — WHERE ANIMAL ABUSE RUNS RAMPANT

Saranda, Albania, is setting records this year for attracting tourists from all over the world: estimates say as many as 800,000 will visit by summer’s end. One of the first things they see when they get off a cruise ship or the ferry: crying children holding up injured puppies and begging for money. 

It’s a downside of paradise. Many — including town leaders — choose to look away. Street dogs are already vulnerable. But disabled puppies get more money than healthy ones. So dishonest adults seem to be breaking the backs and legs of young dogs, then sending children out to plead for money. 

It hurts the dogs. It’s hurtful to watch. It hurts the town’s image. It hurts tourism. City leaders need to understand all of this. 

Now is the time to bring this animal abuse front and center to the mayor, police chief, and other city officials. So far, any steps taken by city leadership have made little change. If steps aren’t taken now, it sends a strong message to the adults: “It’s okay to use and abuse children and puppies to generate profit.”

None of this abusive behavior is okay. Sign this petition and speak up.