The challenge. While community have given all attention to the abundance of unwanted dogs in Sofia, and the promises to either neuter or destroy them, the over-reproduction of pet animals always remains the core issue throughout Bulgaria. Anyone can obtain a dog or cat, allow the animal to breed freely, and abandon or give away the offspring to anyone. There is a subpopulation of so-called "latch-key dogs" constantly breeding in Sofia's suburban areas, whose offspring is constantly repopulating the residential areas... >>

Professional capability. ICAM Coalition's Humane Dog Population Management Guidance in Bulgarian language. A true and whole Bulgarian version of this document made by Animal Programs is published on internet since August, 2011. The guidance was also provided to PM Bojko Borisov, the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency Director, Dr. Jordan Vojnov, and Mayor of Sofia, Jordanka Fandykova. The translated document >>

Jordan Vojnov, Director of Bulgarian Food Safety Agency

Proposals. Open letter to Prime Minister of Bulgaria. PM Bojko Borisov, made in August 2011 a draft proposal to the Animal Protection Act. The only changes proposed in the scope of pet population management were extending the term for neutering unwanted dogs and then impounding all them at "temporary animal shelters outside settlements" until the end of 2015. Animal Programs jumped against and drafted appropriate texts that could reduce dog and cat over-reproduction, pet population pressure, animal roam and abusive treatment of roaming animals. The letter in English language >>

Bojko Borisov, Bulgarian PM. Vagabond.bg.

Proposals. Bulgarian authorities get first report on animal shelter operations. A new report for the government recommends that all shelters submit to Agriculture Ministry annual data report on intake and disposition of animals as a part of new animal control strategy. The study is based on data from 14 municipalities having a total population of 43 per cent of the entire human population of Bulgaria. The report in English language >>

_ Proposals. Sofia to effectively deal with pet overpopulation, Deputy Mayor Bojadzhijska to be fired. Mayor of Sofia, Jordanka Fandykova, received a letter emailed from Anima Programs dated August 9, 2011. It criticizes incompetent policies conducted by the Deputy Mayor Maria Bojadzhijska over the past six years and also proposes creating a multi-stakeholder committee to prepare a program for effective local dog and cat population management. The document in Bulgarian language >>

Jordanka Fandykova, Mayor of Sofia

_Declaration from the National Association of Municipalities. National Assembly Chairman, Cecka Cacheva, and PM Bojko Borisov, get a written declaration from the National Association of Municipalities in Republic of Bulgaria (NAMRB) dated July 7, 2011. The association insists a national strategy for solving the stray dog problem to be considered as relevant national bodies to be charged with the responsibility in dealing with dog overpopulation. The declaration in Bulgarian language  >>

                     Cecka Cacheva, Chair of Parliament. Novinite.com.