Chisinau's Stray Dog Crisis: Shelters at Breaking Point

Chisinau's Stray Dog Crisis: Shelters Threaten Release Amidst City Inaction Chisinau, Moldova is facing a growing crisis concerning its stray dog population. Private animal shelters, already struggling with limited resources, are overwhelmed and on the brink of releasing hundreds of dogs onto the city streets. This drastic measure is a direct result of the city's perceived inaction and lack of financial support for these shelters. "The situation is catastrophic," states Irina Iakovenko, owner of the Barbos shelter, in an interview featured in the TV6.press report. "We've appealed to the mayor and his representatives for eight months, but all our requests have been ignored." Iakovenko describes how volunteers are forced to sell their personal belongings, including apartments, to cover the costs of caring for the animals. Another shelter, AOVA, faces similar challenges. Galina Chigir, the shelter's owner, explains that they were promised land for a new shelter in 2020, but this promise remains unfulfilled. "We have no gas, electricity, or water," she laments. The video shows overcrowded and under-resourced shelters, highlighting the urgent need for action. The shelters' threat to release the dogs underscores the severity of the situation and the frustration of those working tirelessly to care for these animals. The city's response, or lack thereof, leaves the future of these animals uncertain, and raises serious concerns about public safety and animal welfare.