Across Albania, dogs and cats especially those living on the streets are facing suffering that should not be accepted as normal.

Stray animals can be left without access to food, clean water or veterinary care. Injured and sick animals may have nowhere to turn, while uncontrolled breeding continues to bring more puppies and kittens into an already difficult situation.

There are also serious concerns about animal cruelty, including the poisoning and cruel killing of stray animals, dogs being kept permanently chained, and very young puppies and kittens being sold in public places without adequate protection or oversight.

Animals should not suffer simply because they have no owner!

Albania already has laws, authorities and programmes relating to animal health and stray animal management. The issue is that stronger protection, effective enforcement, proper resources and a coordinated national approach are still needed.

We believe Albania can do better.

This petition calls on the Albanian Government and responsible authorities to strengthen animal welfare protections, enforce existing laws and introduce stronger measures where necessary — so that dogs and cats are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

They cannot speak for themselves. We can speak for them.🐾

WHAT WE WANT:

We are calling on the Albanian Government and responsible authorities to take concrete action to protect dogs, cats and other animals from unnecessary suffering.

🐾 1. Protect stray dogs and cats

Establish a nationwide, properly funded system for humane management of stray animals, including veterinary care, vaccination, identification, sterilisation and castration, with adoption wherever possible.

🚫 2. End poisoning and cruel killing

Explicitly prohibit the intentional poisoning and cruel killing of dogs and cats, including stray animals, and introduce meaningful penalties for those responsible.

⛓️ 3. End permanent chaining

Ban the permanent and prolonged chaining of dogs, this should be totally illegal, and ensure that all dogs have adequate food, water, shelter, space, exercise and veterinary care.

🐶 4. Stop the exploitation of puppies and kittens

End unregulated street sales of puppies and kittens and introduce clear minimum-age and welfare requirements for the sale or transfer of young animals.

⚖️ 5. Strengthen punishment for animal cruelty

Introduce stronger and more effective penalties for serious and repeated animal cruelty, including substantial fines, criminal consequences and bans on keeping animals for serious offenders.

🏛️ 6. Create a stronger national animal welfare system

Strengthen enforcement, inspections and reporting mechanisms and establish a transparent national animal welfare strategy with clear responsibilities, funding, measurable goals and public accountability.

We are asking for action — not promises!

We Are Calling On:

This petition is addressed to the Government of Albania and the authorities responsible for animal welfare, veterinary services and the management of stray animals, including:

• The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Albania

• The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

• The National Authority of Veterinary and Plant Protection (AKVMB)

• Albanian municipalities and other relevant local authorities

 

Sign this petition and stand with us in demanding a safer, more humane future for Albania’s animals. 🐾🇦🇱