Prompted by disturbing videos and photos collected by local associations, with scenes of inhumane catching of street dogs in Sarajevo, some of which are seriously injured, we appeal to the competent authorities and bodies to react urgently and investigate these allegations, act according to the official report filed by the associations, and to end such animal treatment immediately.
We appeal to all who order organised dog catching to provide only trained catchers and humane catching equipment. We also appeal for transparency in terms of informing the public about the process of catching and subsequent treatment of caught dogs.
Elements of the statutory system do include humane catching for neutering and vaccination of dogs, care in registered and humane shelters under the supervision of inspections, and for their rehoming. However, this type of dog catching is a violation of the law and principles of humaneness and it is counterproductive for the system itself and a sustainable solution to the problem.
Local authorities should ensure consistency in law enforcement and transparency of all those involved in working with animals and the establishment and functioning of a system to manage the dog population in accordance with the state law, because they owe it to the community and innocent animals.
