Dialogue launched on solutions for animal welfare and quality of life in the community as part of the campaign “Čuvaj da te čuva”

As part of the national environmental protection campaign "Čuvaj da te čuva", a dialogue was opened at Europe House in Podgorica on improving animal welfare and addressing challenges related to the population of stray dogs in Montenegro. The event was opened by the Ambassador of the European Union to Montenegro, Johann Sattler, and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Vladimir Joković.

The meeting brought together representatives of relevant institutions, local authorities, the professional community, civil society, and international partners, with the aim of exchanging views and considering possible solutions for more efficient and sustainable management of this issue.

In his opening remarks, speaking about animal welfare as one of the European values and about the EU's support for local efforts to address this issue, Ambassador Sattler emphasised:
"Improving animal welfare is not only about animals. It is about people. It is about safer streets, healthier communities and a stronger sense of responsibility. It means teaching younger generations empathy and respect. It means building trust in institutions that act fairly and effectively. In that sense, animal welfare is deeply connected to overall social development."

Minister Joković stated:
"The time to act is now - the problem of abandoned dogs in Montenegro has long ceased to be only an animal welfare issue; it is also a matter of public safety, pressure on local budgets, impact on tourism and the overall image of the country. That is precisely why its resolution must be based on systemic measures, above all mass sterilisation and neutering, as well as clear accountability of all stakeholders, as this is also our obligation on the European path and a test of our readiness to meet the high standards required by the European Union."

Participants stressed that the issue of animal welfare and the management of stray dog populations has broader social significance, as it directly affects public safety, public health, the functioning of local authorities, and the overall image of Montenegro as a tourist destination. They agreed that a responsible and systematic approach to this issue represents an important step towards building more orderly and sustainable communities.

In the context of the European Union accession process, it was highlighted that Montenegro faces concrete, binding changes in animal welfare. The European Union is in the final stage of adopting comprehensive legislation that will, for the first time, introduce uniform standards for the breeding, keeping, care and treatment of dogs and cats, including animals in shelters. It was emphasised that this legislation will have direct legal effect in all Member States, meaning that Montenegro will be obliged to implement it in full from the day of its accession to the European Union.

During the discussion, challenges in implementing existing policies at the local level were also identified, including the need for stronger coordination among institutions, a more harmonised approach among municipalities, and further strengthening of administrative and professional capacities.

At the same time, the discussion highlighted the development potential of this issue, particularly in the tourism sector. A responsible attitude towards animals, alongside well-regulated, functional public spaces, can further strengthen Montenegro's image as a safe and attractive tourist destination, including the increasingly important segment of sustainable, pet-friendly tourism.

Positive examples from the local level were also presented, demonstrating that, through commitment, coordination, and good organisation, it is possible to achieve concrete results and improve conditions on the ground.

The meeting was organised as one of the accompanying events of the national environmental protection campaign "Čuvaj da te čuva", which brings together a broad coalition of institutions, businesses, the non-governmental sector, the media and individuals, with the aim of promoting a responsible attitude towards the environment and shared resources.

The way we treat animals reflects the society we live in - a responsible approach contributes to a safer and more orderly community. Čuvaj da te čuva.