Our association is funded and is functioning as an official subject since 17.02.2018. Our association is funded and is functioning as an official subject since 17.02.2018, but it is worth mentioning that our activism regarding the protection and rescuing of animals in Macedonia dates from much earlier, although it was all unofficial activism. The idea existed and matured for a long time until the
moment when we felt ready to establish an official entity. We started this journey prepared to face the challenges, and everything that meets us through this process, with all our strength and available resources. We are the only association for animal protection in our town and not only in our town, but in the nearest towns to us too. That means, every animal’s destiny in this part of the country depends on us! So far, we have taken care of over 350 animals - mostly dogs and cats - but we also have had a few cases of rescued foxes, snakes, mice, storks, predatory birds... Particular attention was paid to the rescue operation of two vultures (Gyps fulvus), which, according to Macedonian legislation, are birds of protected species in Macedonia. We have also taken action to rescue pairs of storks from nests at dangerous points; they are also rare birds in our area. However, honestly, our activities are mainly focused on rescuing and caring for abandoned dogs and cats. We usually find them at a very young age, most of them are newly born, thrown in bags, boxes, rivers, next to garbage containers… But also there are abandoned mothers with their puppies, old and sick animals, injured ones…
The general awareness of the population in Macedonia is at an extremely low level, especially in the smaller cities and rural towns like ours. Dogs that have owners are wandering unleashed on the streets and spend most of their time directly exposed to danger. They are not vaccinated, they are not cleaned of parasites, they are not spayed or castrated. They are far from receiving the attention, love and care necessary for every pet. And worst of all is when they get sick, they do not get the much needed medical help, but relentlessly are left to die in agonising pain. Despite the legal decision that a dog with an owner cannot stay in public space without the presence of the owner and at the same time must be on a leash, nobody respects that, and what is even worse, the institutions of the system that are obliged to execute the law do nothing to stop such offences. The presence of stray dogs on the streets is a direct consequence of such irresponsible behavior. This is a place where a considerable part of the population simply hate animals. Here the animals are usually kept because of a certain benefit: dogs to guard and defend the property, cats to hunt mice. It sounds awfully primitive as it is, we know - but that is our reality. Animals are rarely seen as living, conscious beings who feel hunger, thirst, pain. In the larger cities like the capital, the general picture is a bit better but, unfortunately, as we mentioned before, we cannot say the same about the small settlements like Berovo, where there thrives terrible primitivism and insensitivity. There is no place, street, location, single spot in Macedonia, where there is no dog or cat. They are everywhere. And because of that they are often victims of poisonings. Although animal poisoning has been defined as a crime in Macedonia, it has been practised for years. Poisonous substances can be easily procured and not a single poisoner was found guilty and responsible for what was done. Believe it or not - NO ONE! And not a day goes by without us hearing that an animal has been poisoned somewhere. We live in a country where a mother with puppies was burned alive while her little ones sucked from her. We live in a country where dogs were publicly killed with axes, sharp objects, weapons of all kinds…
The country where brutal cases of dog hanging have been recorded…
We are a country where, instead of helping and saving a poisoned dog, he has been buried while still alive. Local and state authorities are completely incapable, uninterested and impotent to solve the problem or even partially improve the situation. And so here we are, in the middle of all this, and yet all alone, without any help from anyone, still standing and fighting for positive change, for the saving of those who are voiceless and helpless, and for their better future, for making the difference. We take care, feed, treat on a daily basis. All our time and attention is focused on animals. We have learned to deal with the obstacles we are facing on a daily basis. With good organization, sacrifice, mutual respect and agreement we can achieve everything. The ultimate goal is to provide a good home for every animal.
