Illusory or effective? The protection provided by the Romanian authorities to stray dogs

• Main Author: Tatiana-Lăcrămioara Șoldănescu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest 2021-03-01
• Series: Forum Juridic
• Subjects: stray dogs; animal protection; euthanasia; ill treatment; cruelty; legislation
• Online Access: https://drept.unibuc.ro/dyn_img/aubd/1,%202021,%203.%20T.%20Soldanescu%20-%20Illusory%20or%20effective%20The%20protection%20provided%20by%20the%20Romanian%20authorities%20to%20stray%20dogs.pdf

The problem that Romania has with stray dogs’ management is well known at national level, but also intensely debated internationally. The main accusation brought against Romania is the authorities’ noncompliance with the principle of minimum suffering. With the sole purpose of eliminating dogs from the streets, these authorities ignore any principles and recommendations that focus on animal protection. The legislative framework adopted without prior documentation seeks to propose superficial “solutions” with short-term effect, which divert attention and prevent awareness of the serious problem Romania and Romanians face. Romania is already harshly condemned for its national legislation and its unfortunate consequences, so we intend to understand the justification for this conviction based on the analysis of animal protection and management of stray dogs concepts.