Stray dogs in Kosovo is a problem that is largely ignored due to the fact that other social problems are considered higher priority.  However, unless we take the time to address the problem, the stray dog population in Kosovo will continue to spiral out of control.  In 2003, there were more than 50,000 stray dogs in Kosovo.  Can you imagine how many there are now?

KFOR does still go out on "population control" details where they track down and shoot dogs.  This is not a real solution as dogs can often be wounded, making them more aggressive towards humans, and it can be traumatizing for a population that has been scarred by war for over a decade. 

Another issue faced is that the local population seems to dislike dogs.  This can be attributed to two things.  One is the illegal dog fighting rings that are rumored to be operating in Kosovo.  Those involved in these fighting rings value only aggressive and purebred dogs.  The other issue is that many of the local population fear dogs after the conflict.  During the conflict, many dogs were abandoned by their owners and formed packs.  As food supplies dwindled, the dogs moved from more remote locations into the towns and they became aggressive as food became more scarce.  I find that when walking my own dog, Smokey, people will sometimes cross to the opposite side of the road just so they do not have to walk within five meters of a dog that is on a short leash.

If you are looking for more generic information about Kosovo, please visit my Kosovo Log.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or comments!  mtcowgirl7@hotmail.com

Kosovo Log - Skip To Years --> 2006  |  2005  |  2004 |  2003  |  2002 

22 September 2006 - Smokey Goes to the Kennel

Smokey was off to the Kosovo Shelter today for a short stay while I am vacationing in Thailand.  Conveniently located near the airport, the shelter is boarding Smokey for a mere 5 Euros a day in a large outside kennel.  Smokey has adjusted well to life in Dragodan.  The neighborhood kids are torn between being terrified and curious about my over-friendly and still a bit wild monster-mutt.  Some of the kids will come up when I am out walking him and give him a quick pat before running off squealing.  I guess it is good for both Smokey and the kids...Smokey gets used to more people than just me and the kids realize that not all dogs are vicious.  Although I do have to confess to a certain amount of amusement at the adults of the neighborhood, particularly the gangsta-wannabes and the security guards of the surrounding liaison offices.  Many of the adults will either cross the road or make a wide berth around us when I am out walking Smokey.  Earlier this week I shocked one Balkan Security guard to a standstill when an oncoming car forced us to go around a parked vehicle at the same time...the guy literally froze in place until we passed.

April 2006 - Kosovo Shelter for Stray Dogs

It has come to my attention, courtesy of an email from two vets (Petra & Toni-Maree, who volunteer their time and expertise) that there is now a functioning animal shelter in Kosovo.  It has been awhile since I've heard any news about an organized animal shelter.  However, the Kosovo Shelter for Stray Dogs is open and running near Sllatine with two vets from New Zealand and two local animal advocates volunteering their time and efforts to combating the stray problem in Kosovo.  Veterinary services are only available when a traveling vet is present however.  The shelter relies on donations from quiz nights at the Phoenix Bar and private donations from the community in addition to the donations of parts of the salaries of those working at the shelter.  The shelter is working on re-homing and sterilizing the stray dog population in Kosovo along with providing care and sterilization for privately owned dogs of the local and international community.  Information about how to donate can be found on the shelter's website. The Kosovo Shelter for Stray Dogs can be contacted via email or by telephone at +377 44 126 439 or +377 44 199 061.  The shelter can be found by driving a bit past the old airport road and is called "Qendra Kosovare per Strehim dhe Trajnimin e Qeneve Endacak" in Albanian.

Fall 2004 - KAPS Shelter Closed

I have discovered that Monique's Puppy Center is now closed.  The center was established in the village of Lapje Selo but due to lack of funding and interest after Monique left the mission, the stray population has been put to sleep and the shelter was closed. Meanwhile, the UN has been working on eliminating the stray population in the compounds.  They have removed the dogs and put extra fencing around to ensure that the dogs cannot slip back into the compound.  One of the problems that the UN has faced is that each time they remove a group of dogs from the compounds, they are simply replaced by another pack of dogs who claim the territory.

April 2003 - Stray Dogs in Kosovo

This month, I gave a speech on Stray Dogs in Kosovo because it has been and is continuing to be a problem all around Kosovo.  There are some 50,000 stray dogs in Kosovo and each year, the number will continue to jump unless we do something about it.  I myself have taken two litters of puppies born underneath the containers of Mission HQ to the Kosovo Society for the Protection of Animals (KAPS). A bit of the background from my speech... Monique Fienberg founded KAPS and the animal shelter is nicknamed Monique’s Puppy Centre. The center is located near Pristina in the outlying village of Lapje Selo.  KAPS takes in stray dogs and then later re-introduces them into homes and even one very special dog to the UN compound (Missy is the resident UNMIK HQ dog that everyone loves.) Females are sterilized and sent back onto the street. Male dogs are attracted to the female dogs and are less likely to fight amongst themselves for her attention. Purebred dogs known for aggression are not repatriated but put to sleep. KAPS has opened a shelter and is offering dogs for adoption. Potential owners are interviewed but already two dogs were taken back due to neglect. Monique would like to have a more active interview process where owners are visited after 6 months of ownership to check the suitability of the owners but this will take time and dedication on the part of the local and international population. Shooting of dogs by KFOR has created a problem more serious than before Children are traumatized by witnessing death of their pet Friendly dogs killed first Without friendly dogs, new generations do not learn good behavior KFOR has killed 7 of 9 repatriated dogs in Pristina Normal society does not shoot dogs at 6pm on the main street of its capital In January 2003 in Istok, a 7 yr old boy was killed by a pack of dogs on his way to school. Adults tried to intervene but were unable to assist. The boy died from injuries. Illegal dog fighting rings have become more serious and is a problem in Kosovo. 16-25 year old men see pets as a status symbol and typically purchase dogs known for aggression. There are 6-8 fighting cells for dog fighting and gambling and it is believed to be tied to mafia. While some police officers have expressed an interest in stopping the illegal dog fighting the police organization has not shown an interest in solving the problem.

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