SOS Sarajevo: Working for a Better Life for Animals SOS Sarajevo-the Association of Citizens for Prevention of Cruelty Against Animals-is registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in Bosnia Herzegovina (BiH). The organization started in 1998, and has come a long way since then. They have had many "firsts": the first association in BiH working to prevent cruelty; the first to open a shelter for animals; and the first signatories from BiH to the World Declaration for Animal Protection. They are also the only BiH animal welfare organization to be a Member Society of World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Also, SOS is an associate of the Royal SPCA (UK) and they are assisted by Helfer ohne Grenzen Organization from Germany. SOS Sarajevo has accomplished a great deal in the ten years they've been in operation. Some examples are:
So Many Challenges Remain That's the good news. But there are many challenges ahead. SOS Sarajevo receives no support from the City of Sarajevo, and although they have been trying to convince the city government to provide land for a shelter, their efforts have been unsuccessful. SOS Sarajevo had been granted an urban consent based on a preliminary design for a modern shelter and hospital for animals. However, the City Administration changed the regulation plan in the area where SOS holds the land, and by doing that has prevented SOS from building the shelter. Next, SOS was offered three options by the City Administration, all totally unacceptable for a shelter: at one site, there is an already existing facility; another site is a water protection zone; and the third is private property. While negotiations were going on for the new shelter, the location that SOS had been using as a temporary shelter was closed down by the City Mayor for no apparent reason. Now, SOS volunteers are keeping needy animals in the SOS office or in their apartments, until homes can be found in BiH or abroad. Meanwhile, SOS has not lost momentum on their other critical animal welfare programs, foremost of which is humane education. Every day, SOS is called upon to provide assistance to animals, such as treating injured animals; vaccinating; transporting animals; conducting animal sterilization campaigns; and organizing children's parties with animal welfare themes. They do all this with a handful of active volunteers, and with a very limited budget. One significant problem is that there is no animal welfare law in BiH. SOS Sarajevo would like to get a bill passed-and then will need assistance to ensure it is implemented. The Animal Welfare Situation in BiH
Stray cats can be seen darting around all over, and I met several "cat ladies"-usually older women who feed colonies of homeless cats. Many of these women can barely feed themselves. With so many bombed out buildings still standing in Sarajevo, dogs and cats can usually find some shelter. But because most people still don't spay or neuter their pets, there are many puppies and kittens dumped on the streets. Also, many pregnant dogs get dumped when the family is sick of dealing with the puppies. While BiH's economy is vastly improved now that the country is at peace, most people are still not aware of the need for spay-neuter or prepared to spend much money on their pet's care. SOS Sarajevo's education and public awareness raising campaigns are aimed right at the heart of the animal welfare problems in Sarajevo. These awareness campaigns are some of the most innovative work in the humane education field that I've seen. And their spay-neuter campaigns are directly fighting the dog and cat over-population problem.
SOS needs donations of pet food, pet supplies, and of course, financial contributions. If you are traveling to BiH, you may be able to volunteer with them, depending on their needs at the time. Contact us for more information. |
SOS Sarajevo believes that the love we share with animals brings out the best in us all. Therefore we seek the passage of a common sense, constitutional guarantee protecting all animals in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the establishment of 'no-kill' programs using proven sterilization and sanctuary/re-homing methods as well as humane education for our next generation.
We're dedicated to making Bosnia and Herzegovina the first European country returning natural rights to animals. 
In 2005, I spent a month in BiH, where I met a group of caring, action-oriented volunteers who keep SOS going. They told me some harrowing stories, and showed pictures to match. But they also had so many heartwarming stories, of working with children and adults to change attitudes about animals, and finding homes, mainly in Germany-where homeless dogs are rare-for abandoned, abused, and stray dogs.
I noticed many stray dogs on the streets of Sarajevo. Some were regularly fed by people, but just as often, I saw people throwing stones at them, and chasing them away.
SOS Sarajevo's Request