Just one unspayed female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years. More than half will die before adulthood. Many of those who do make it will lead miserable lives of suffering.

In the spring and summer, Saranda sees an explosion of puppies. That’s not surprising. Most street dogs here aren’t spayed or neutered. 

• Right now in Saranda, many of these vulnerable puppies are being abused and exploited. Unscrupulous adults are intentionally harming them, then asking children to hold them up as props to panhandle money from tourists.
• Local volunteers and advocates — notably Saranda Dog Services and Dogs and Cats of Saranda, Albania — are stepping up to rescue these pups, feed them, arrange for vet care, and try to find forever homes.

A few tireless volunteers can only accomplish so much.

We invite city leaders to join our efforts to stop this blatant abuse. We also invite a conversation on how to make the city more humane for our street dogs. We believe visitors and residents alike will notice and say thank you.

Signing this petition can help start the conversation.