The initiative group “Protection of Animals in Moldova” called on the local authorities of Chisinau to stop killing the stray dogs. In a protest staged in front of the City Hall, members of the organization said the municipality continues to poison the stray dogs, violating a decision of the Appeals Court banning the euthanizing of animals without owners. The protesters demanded that Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca should organize a public debate where solutions may be identified to prevent the uncontrolled reproduction of stray dogs, IPN reports.

For his part, Dorin Chirtoaca said the municipality will continue to reduce the number of stray dogs, including by euthanasia, until a solution is found. Last year, the Chisinau Municipal Council voted in favor of allocating a plot of 5 hectares on which to build an animal shelter. The municipality’s condition is that the NGOs should cover a part of the investments assessed at €2 million.

Contacted by IPN, head of the Law Division Diana Gurschi said the City Hall received no Appeals Court decision banning the euthanizing of stray dogs.