In Bosnia, stray dogs are being rounded up and taken to public shelters—places that are meant to offer safety but instead become sites of prolonged suffering. These overcrowded, unsanitary facilities deprive dogs of food, medical care, and basic dignity. Many are bullied by other animals, injured, or left to deteriorate in silence.

I’ve spent countless hours volunteering at a wonderful dog shelter here in Bosnia, where we rescue dogs who have endured horrendous conditions in these facilities. Every time we bring a new dog into our care, their scars—both physical and emotional—speak volumes. These shelters, meant to be sanctuaries, unfortunately become places of torment and neglect for these helpless animals.

Investigations into public shelters have revealed dogs crammed into small, dirty enclosures without proper care or oversight. Many suffer from untreated injuries and infectious diseases. Dogs are routinely mixed without regard to temperament or size, leading to frequent fighting, bullying, and trauma. In some shelters, animals have been found starved, mutilated, or dead—victims of sheer neglect. These are not isolated incidents, but repeated and well-documented failures of the current system.

This is not animal welfare. This is abuse.

We urge the Bosnian government to rethink its approach to managing the stray dog population. Instead of collecting and imprisoning them, we call for:

• A national sterilisation program to humanely control the dog population.

• Improvement of existing shelters to meet international animal welfare standards.

• Education programs promoting responsible pet ownership.

• Community-based care models involving local volunteers and rescues.

• Euthanasia - reserved for animals who are either suffering with no chance of recovery or pose a serious risk to other animals or people.

These animals deserve safety, dignity, and love—not a life of silent suffering behind bars.

Please sign this petition to demand urgent reform. Bosnia must do better. 

These animals have no voice—but together, we do. 🐾