The Bulgarian pet population dynamics
by Emil Kuzmanov
(This cover letter was first published in Animal People, 6/2003)
While mass media have given prominence to the abundance of homeless dogs in Sofia, and the efforts to either sterilize or destroy them, the uncontrolled reproduction of dogs and cats is a crisis throughout Bulgaria. Anyone can obtain an animal with no registration required, allow the animal to breed, and abandon, give away or sell the offspring to anyone. Very few people realize that most of the offspring are doomed to an uncertain existence and possible cruelty. Many think it is healthy for female animals to give birth. There is a peculiar class of so-called "back yard dogs" constantly breeding in Sofia's industrial zones, who have been methodically displaced (carried away and let loose) from residential areas.
Widespread spontaneous charity on behalf of the dogs is futile, but shows serious potential for future collaboration if purposeful measures can be introduced to limit reproduction and establish mandatory registration of pets. I hope that the initial support for this can come from Bulgaria itself, but my efforts in writing to news media and Bulgarian institutions have been futile.
by Emil Kuzmanov
(This cover letter was first published in Animal People, 6/2003)
While mass media have given prominence to the abundance of homeless dogs in Sofia, and the efforts to either sterilize or destroy them, the uncontrolled reproduction of dogs and cats is a crisis throughout Bulgaria. Anyone can obtain an animal with no registration required, allow the animal to breed, and abandon, give away or sell the offspring to anyone. Very few people realize that most of the offspring are doomed to an uncertain existence and possible cruelty. Many think it is healthy for female animals to give birth. There is a peculiar class of so-called "back yard dogs" constantly breeding in Sofia's industrial zones, who have been methodically displaced (carried away and let loose) from residential areas.
Widespread spontaneous charity on behalf of the dogs is futile, but shows serious potential for future collaboration if purposeful measures can be introduced to limit reproduction and establish mandatory registration of pets. I hope that the initial support for this can come from Bulgaria itself, but my efforts in writing to news media and Bulgarian institutions have been futile.