I have personally witnessed the horrifying scene of tortured, abandoned, and mistreated stray animals in Albania. Streets and alleyways are often littered with the bodies of these innocent animals, victims of poisoning, a cruel method sadly prevalent in Albania. 

With credible proof the mayors of the cities of Tirana, Durres, Elbasan and Saranda regularly, sometimes every month order animals to be poisoned. Poison is placed in food such as sausages or hot dogs to lure innocent dogs and cats. People also beat these animals, especially street dogs, many of whom are pregnant.

According to the Animal Welfare Law (No.10 138), enacted in Albania in 2016, any form of violence and killing of animals is punishable by law. Despite this, stray poisoning continues unabated, traveling down a tragic path of unnecessary pain and suffering. Figures from local animal welfare organizations suggest that thousands of stray animals suffer this terrible fate each year. 

Our petition aims to put an end to this practice by pressuring local authorities to crack down on those who poison these animals, and enforce the existing laws effectively. Also, we urge the Albanian government to provide necessary resources for animal welfare organizations that are working tirelessly to shelter, treat and neuter stray animals, a humane and far more effective way of controlling the stray population.

We cannot turn a blind eye to such cruelty happening in our midst. We have to be the voice for these voiceless animals. We implore you to sign and share our petition, to lobby for stronger enforcement of our animal welfare laws, and to help end the poisoning of strays in Albania.