The protector of human rights and freedoms warned the Municipality of Nikšić that failure to solve the problem of stray dogs could result in proceedings and determination of state responsibility not only at the national level, but also before the European Court of Human Rights.
The ombudsman pointed out to that local self-government that the problem of stray dogs must be approached carefully and responsibly, reminding them of their duty from the legal provisions that prescribe the way of dealing with abandoned and lost animals, providing conditions for their care and implementing measures to control their reproduction.
The Institution of the Protector reacted on the occasion of the address of a citizen of Nikšić, regarding the problem of stray dogs that move around the city zone, suburban settlements, and lately they can be found in almost all locations, even in the New Cemetery.
In a statement to the protector, the municipality of Nikšić stated, among other things, that they allocated around 300.000 euros for the bites of stray dogs in the last four years and that they also have a problem with bringing dogs from the territory of other municipalities. They said that in the previous period, a quarantine was built as an integral part of the Asylum facility, and for the needs of the Sinter service, a vehicle was acquired, as well as equipment for humane capture of dogs (gun and accompanying equipment), workers were trained, and in this way they were created conditions for the functioning of the sinter service. They explained that they are providing funds for veterinary services, food for dogs, and that they were considering the possibilities of expanding the capacity of that facility, so the construction of a new quarantine facility is underway. The Municipality explained that the quarantine would include dogs that had undergone a clinical examination at the veterinary clinic, and that the dogs would stay there until they were adopted or died due to illness and old age.
"For the purpose of building the quarantine area, DOO Komunalno Nikšić has issued a tender and concluded a contract with the bidder for the execution of works, which are in progress, on an area of approximately 20.000 square meters," the statement states.
The Municipality of Nikšić said, among other things, that last year a list of pets-dogs was carried out and that about 1.500 animals were microchipped, about 1.200 were vaccinated against rabies, and 5.858 owner's dogs were listed.
"In the municipality of Nikšić, in 2024, activities on the list of owners and the counting of street dogs continued, through projects in cooperation with the non-governmental sector. In the period of the previous two and a half years, about 1.000 street dogs were sterilized, as part of the activities to solve the control of the dog population, and the Municipality of Nikšić hired a veterinary clinic for this service," the statement reads.
The protector pointed out that the need to control the number of stray dogs is motivated precisely by concerns about public safety and public health.
"The growing number of stray dogs represents a significant problem for public health and the well-being of people and animals. The danger of stray dogs, which threatens citizens, is a real and serious danger, which all institutions must deal with carefully. This risk violates their rights and freedoms, ranging from safety, bodily integrity to health. The rights and freedoms of citizens are protected by the Constitution and the aforementioned legislation. Consequently, the central and local institutions are responsible for acting within their competences to solve this problem. In order to reduce this risk and completely eliminate it, institutions must take effective, quick and humane measures to manage stray dogs", the statement states.
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