Driven by a personal passion to protect abandoned dogs and kittens in Romania, I am turning to this platform to advocate for a change in the existing Romanian animal welfare laws. A large part of my life is spent donating to individuals who dedicate their lives to rescuing these helpless creatures, yet they constantly face backlash and insurmountable challenges due to insufficiencies in the current law, lack of funds, and societal disregard. This must change.

I am calling on the Romanian Government to introduce stringent laws against abandoning or dumping animals on the streets or in fields, actions that perpetuate a cycle of pain and suffering for these innocent beings. An estimated 600,000 stray dogs roam the streets of Romania according to The Guardian, a harsh indictment of the current situation.

Alongside harsh punishments for offender, a proactive approach must be taken. We urge the government to initiate a government-subsidized neuter and spay program to control the overpopulation of stray animals. To make animal care more accessible, we suggest a solution in the form of reduced veterinary fees.

Furthermore, we propose that laws prosecuting citizens for cruelty towards animals be enforced with more vigor, to serve as a deterrent to such heinous acts. Lastly, we promote the reinstitution of rehoming animal centers, while progressively phasing out cull shelters, which often perpetrate more harm than good to the animal population.

This fight for animal rights and their protection is not just about animals but also about us, humans, and the kind of society we want to live in. Let’s evolve to a society that prioritizes empathy towards all its living beings. Sign the petition to join the fight against animal cruelty in Romania.