Saranda Dog Services launched this petition on August 6, 2023, to call attention to ongoing animal abuse in the city. Our goal: to engage Mayor Oltion Caci and city leaders in meaningful conversation and action. 

Sixteen months later, the mayor has yet to respond. 

We understand that the city has funds in its annual budget allocated to animal welfare. We have yet to see any evidence of where or how this money is spent. 

Instead, we have seen puppies and kittens tossed in the trash or abandoned at the roadside. On The Promenade, we have seen a few children using tiny — and sometimes injured — puppies to play on the sympathy of tourists and beg for money. We have seen starving dogs, poisoned dogs, dogs with open wounds, and dogs run over by cars.

We have seen an explosion of puppies: the city seems to lack any interest or incentive to fund a spay/neuter initiative.

So Merry Christmas, Mr. Mayor. While innocent animals are suffering all around you, enjoy the festivities. 

One day, we hope to have a conversation.