Monday, January 27, 2014

A shelter worse than homelessness

My post today is about the county shelter in Varna, Bulgaria. I don't know the full regulations and details behind the way this institution is being run. But I do know enough to be outraged and heartbroken. And today I feel compelled to shine a light on the reality that pains me so. In the hope that awareness will help lead to change.

There are many thousands of homeless dogs in Varna and many, many more homeless cats. There is one county-run shelter. The shelter only takes in dogs. The animals are transported in this vehicle (or were when I last visited and took this photo).
There are two areas of the shelter. One is where the sick animals are housed (who are supposedly undergoing treatment) and where those animals that are post-sterilization spend a bit of time. This area is cold, wet, with horrible cement floors. But at least there are actual walls. 
Dogs are taken in for spay/ neuter and then returned to the streets where they were found. The less fortunate few are kept at the shelter in the non-medical section. That section of the shelter has no actual walls. The shelter is located on a hill outside the city and bitter winds and snow are a regular occurrence. Below is what the shelter looks like today.
Yes, there are dog houses which dogs of all sizes, personalities, and needs are expected to share. Needless to say, none of them are heated and you can only imagine how big the emphasis on hygiene would be in these conditions. 
There is nothing I can do for these poor souls and this knowledge makes me angry and sad. THIS is the reason why Animal Aid International collaborates only with non-governmental, volunteer run rescue groups in Bulgaria. THIS is why we advocate for spay and neuter. THIS is why every day we raise our voices for those who have nobody but us to speak on their behalf.

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