The governmental resolution (MONITORUL OFICIAL, NR. 794/13.XII.2001)

Short comment:

At the beginning of December 2001, “someone” finally decided to do “something” about the stray dogs. Therefore, an emergency resolution was signed. For a while, everyone hoped that the situation is about to change for the better.

The resolution promised excellent sheltering conditions and mild treatment methods. Moreover, for the first time in an official document it was stipulated what euthanasia meant and who and when was allowed to practice it.

For 7 days, the dogs were supposed to find a civilized shelter where they would be sterilized, disinfected and afterwards returned to their owners or given to those who claimed them for adoption.

Few important articles of the resolution:

Art. 4. – The stray dogs will be captured and taken into shelters, where they will be kept up to 7 days, respecting the regulations presented in this resolution.

Art. 5. – (1) After being examined by the veterinary doctor, the aggressive, chronic suffering or incurables, will be killed through euthanasia as soon as they arrive in shelters, according to the regulations of this emergency resolution.

              (2) The euthanasia is an act of sacrificing the old, ill dogs or those that have not been adopted according to the regulations of this resolution, using non-painful and rapid methods.

Art. 6. – (1) The euthanasia of the dogs is done only by veterinary doctors.

              (2) It is forbidden that the killing of the dogs to be done by other persons or methods besides those stipulated in this emergency resolution.

Art. 7. – (1) If the dogs have not been adopted or claimed within 7 days, as it is stipulated in article 4, they will be killed through euthanasia.

              (2) While they are sheltered, the claiming requests are to be solved with priority.

              (3) The dogs that have not been claimed can be adopted by the adoption centers especially organized for this purpose.

             (2) The claiming and the adoption of the dogs will be made by paying a fee that includes the medical and sheltering expenses, the sum being established through the decision of the local council.

Art. 9. – The bodies of the killed through euthanasia animals or collected in the street will be cremated and it is forbidden to use them for obtaining leather, fats, meat, protein flour and other products.

Art. 13. – It is forbidden to participate or organize dog fighting or inflict any pain or suffering upon dogs.