#justiceforbalu

UPDATE: 

Everything has changed.

BALO was not a stray dog.

He already had a future. He was getting ready to fly to Denmark, where his adoptive dad was waiting for him. All the adoption paperwork was already being processed, and a kind woman was looking after him until his journey.

But monsters decided otherwise.

Instead of starting a new life in a loving home, BALO‘s life was taken from him before he ever got the chance.

He deserved love. He deserved safety. He deserved to make that journey.

Instead, he became another victim of unimaginable cruelty.

Demand Full Accountability and Prison Sentences for Everyone Responsible

On 22 July 2026, a defenseless puppy was killed in an act of shocking cruelty in the Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjetër) district of Gjirokastër, Albania.

A video of the incident, which has circulated widely on social media, has horrified thousands of people in Albania and around the world. The footage appears to show several individuals present before and during the incident. According to publicly available information and witness statements, Anastasi Lena, Valbona Shapllo Lena, Niko Lena, Seldi Koçiu, Vilson Shapllo, and Vasko Shapllo have been publicly named in connection with the events surrounding the puppy’s death.

The individuals named have also been publicly associated with the businesses Balcony of the Old City and Traditional House & Rooms Shapllo in Gjirokastër.

According to the official statement issued by the Albanian Police, criminal proceedings have already been initiated in relation to this case for the criminal offense of animal cruelty. However, the suspect was released pending further legal proceedings, causing widespread concern among citizens and animal welfare advocates.

We are not asking the public to decide anyone’s guilt before the courts do. We are asking the Albanian justice system to ensure that this case is investigated thoroughly, transparently, and without influence, and that every person found legally responsible is prosecuted and receives the maximum punishment permitted under Albanian law, including imprisonment where applicable.

This case is about much more than one innocent puppy.

Extreme cruelty towards animals is recognized worldwide as a serious warning sign of violence. A society that fails to hold offenders accountable sends the message that such acts can be committed without meaningful consequences.

No animal deserves to die in fear and agony.

No community should accept cruelty as normal.

Today it was a puppy. Tomorrow it could be another innocent animal.

We call on the Albanian authorities to:

Conduct a complete, impartial, and transparent investigation.
Identify and prosecute every individual found legally responsible.
Seek the strongest penalties available under Albanian law, including prison sentences where applicable.
Demonstrate that animal cruelty is a serious crime that will not be tolerated.
Strengthen the enforcement of Albania’s animal protection laws to help prevent similar crimes in the future.
Every signature sends a clear message:

Animal cruelty must have real consequences.

Justice for this puppy means justice for every animal that cannot speak for itself.

Sign this petition and stand with us in demanding justice.

No more cruelty. No more impunity. Justice now.