Dubrovnik opens its first registered animal shelter

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik has achieved a significant milestone with the establishment of its first-ever animal shelter, bringing joy to animal welfare organisations such as Prijatelji životinja, Udruga Pobjede, and the Prijatelji shelter in Čakovec. 

This achievement follows the initiation of the Adopt Žarkovica Dogs project in Dubrovnik a year and a half ago, aiming to provide care for over 260 dogs from an unregistered shelter on Žarkovica Hill.

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

Project Leadership and Progress

The project, spearheaded by dedicated volunteer Ana Ivelja, now the shelter’s current director, has witnessed remarkable progress. During this period, a majority of the dogs, including those with health issues, have been treated, sterilised, and well-cared-for.

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

Relocation and Future Plans

The remaining 34 dogs from Žarkovica have been relocated to the city shelter, with ongoing efforts to find suitable adopters. The city has announced plans to clean and green the Žarkovica area with the planting of 6000 new saplings.

Prijatelji životinja expresses satisfaction that Dubrovnik has finally established and registered a shelter, complying with all prescribed standards. This marks a positive step toward fulfilling legal obligations for the care of abandoned animals in the region.

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

Future Goals and Collaboration

With the capacity to accommodate 74 dogs, the shelter aims to successfully care for and rehome abandoned animals from Dubrovnik and collaborating local communities. To prevent animal abandonment, it is crucial for Dubrovnik to utilise all tools provided by animal protection laws, including funding for the sterilisation of caretaker dogs and cats, systematic control of microchipping implementation through household visits, a significant increase in the sterilisation of free-roaming cats, organisation of feeding stations, and public education on responsible adoption and animal care.

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

As a registered shelter with infrastructure and an adequate number of staff, adhering to the conditions outlined in the regulations for animal shelters, Dubrovnik’s facility is expected to set a positive example for other local governments. Regular funding from the city will be crucial for maintaining an adequate workforce and ensuring the shelter becomes a source of pride for Dubrovnik residents.

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

Prijatelji životinja calls upon the city of Split and other local government units that have promised but not yet established animal shelters to take action without being hindered by political disputes. 

(Photo: Prijatelji životinja)

They emphasise that many abandoned animals in Dubrovnik have suffered due to the failure to meet legal obligations and the absence of a registered shelter. Animals are not to blame for the neglect and abandonment by irresponsible individuals. The organisation stresses that animal protection laws and shelter regulations should apply equally to all citizens, associations, cities, municipalities, and counties.