Romania Vet Vans Perform Nearly 40,000 Sterilizations

A German animal welfare group is deploying eight mobile veterinary vans across Romanian villages to provide free dog sterilization as an alternative to the country’s policy of capturing and euthanizing strays. Romania authorized culling in 2013 after a child was killed in a dog attack, but animal groups estimate that roughly 500,000 roaming dogs remain, while investigations have raised concerns about neglect and abuse in public shelters. Tierhilfe Hoffnung says sustained sterilization, along with rabies vaccination, identification and national registration, could reduce the population more effectively and improve public safety. Its Smeura shelter and mobile units have performed nearly 40,000 sterilizations this year, while the shelter continues to receive dogs despite facilitating more than 2,200 adoptions last year. Owners in villages such as Cateasca have expressed support for preventing unwanted litters and abandoned puppies.