Functionaries of the local administration of the municipality of Chisinau intentionally mislead public opinion about the Animal Control and Protection Unit of the General Housing and Amenities Division. The goal is to discredit the Unit so as to justify the founding of a municipal animal control enterprise, said female activities who promote animal welfare.

In a news conference hosted by IPN, Iana Verber, of the Human Society Organization, stated that the Chisinau City Hall aims to liquidate the Animal Control and Protection Unit because, unlike other municipal bodies, this works transparently and does not allow public funds to be spent inefficiently. The General Housing and Amenities Division that includes this Unit places obstacles to it. It deliberately delays the initiated projects so as to present the Unit in a negative light.

Lidia Vinogradova, another representative of the Human Society Organization, said the idea of founding a municipal animal control enterprise was first formulated last year. A commission was set up, but the members of this do not bear a relation to the animals without an owner. The enterprise is to be based at the municipal necropolis. The essence remains the same. Only the name is changed.

According to her, the Animal Control and Protection Unit went against the system and the local authorities, the City Hall and the Housing and Amenities Division, do not need an entity that can expose the committed irregularities. They therefore make effort to close this, but need a justification for the public.

The activists said they do not want an artificial body loyal to the power. The Animal Control and Protection Unit should continue work, but should be offered real responsibilities and budget for being able to promote the projects needed by the city.

Anastasia Cozlovschi, of the same organization, said the problem of animals without an owner requires urgent solutions. The Animal Control and Protection Unit was set up three years ago, but it failed to achieve the set objectives as all its initiatives are blocked. The money, instead of being used to implement projects with an impact, is unjustifiably spent by the municipal necropolis on catching animals and on keeping them in overcrowded places. Swift action needs to be taken so that the animals do not find themselves on the street where they breed in an uncontrolled way. Coordinated efforts are needed to implement animal sterilization and adoption programs.

Note: IPN News Agency gives the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements of the organizers of the given news conference, including by facilitating the organization of another news conference in similar conditions.