Illusory or effective? The protection provided by the Romanian authorities to stray dogs

Tatiana-Lăcrămioara Şoldănescu

Ph.D. Student in European human rights law

Faculty of Law, University of Bucharest

Abstract: The problem that Romania has with stray dogs’ management is well known at national level, but also intensely debated internationally. The main accusation brought against Romania is the authorities’ noncompliance with the principle of minimum suffering. With the sole purpose of eliminating dogs from the streets, these authorities ignore any principles and recommendations that focus on animal protection. The legislative framework adopted without prior documentation seeks to propose superficial "solutions" with short-term effect, which divert attention and prevent awareness of the serious problem Romania and Romanians face. Romania is already harshly condemned for its national legislation and its unfortunate consequences, so we intend to understand the justification for this...