The large number of abandoned stray dogs on the streets of Pljevlja and suburban areas is a consequence of pets being abandoned by their owners and uncontrolled reproduction over a long period of time.
This is claimed by the municipal utility company, which manages the shelter for abandoned animals in Pljevlja. They also claim that many owners do not respect regulations related to the keeping and protection of domestic animals, especially pets.
The shelter built a few years ago in the village of Zabrđe, not far from the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant, can accommodate 80 abandoned animals in 20 physically separate boxes.
The shelter's capacity is not sufficient, so the company cannot always meet all the requests of citizens who have gotten rid of or are planning to get rid of their pets.
The shelter plans to treat about 280 lost and abandoned pets this year.
"The main problem we have in the municipality is defined by the lack of a systematic and organized procedure for sterilizing animals and the lack of a single database on the total number of dogs. The problem is also represented by the verdicts on lawsuits for stray dog bites that the company pays jointly with the founder," claim the Public Utilities Department.
They claim that the animals housed at the shelter in Zabrđe receive regular cooked food, as well as grain food meals with vitamin supplements and milk for the cubs.
Veterinary care, marking (chipping) and breeding control are carried out by registered veterinary institutions.
"All animals except for the dangerous dog category under observation are treated against intestinal parasites and vaccinated against rabies and general infectious diseases immediately after the end of their stay in isolation. It is planned to sterilize between 150 and 190 males and females," the company claims.
The aim of the activity is to reduce the breeding potential in the coming period so that the number of abandoned and lost animals can be reduced, controlled and recorded.
The work of caring for lost animals is fully funded by the Municipality of Pljevlja.
The company says that the number of workers engaged in the care of abandoned animals is insufficient and that additional labor will be needed this year to provide physical and technical security for the shelter in three shifts, collect, transport and feed animals, as well as maintain the hygiene of the facilities.
Six workers are currently engaged in the care of abandoned animals.
The company expects to cooperate with the Municipal Police, especially in the part related to performing tasks in accordance with the Decision on the conditions and manner of keeping pets and the manner of dealing with abandoned and lost pets.
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