Children's ombudswoman waiting for answer over stray dog problem

Ombudswoman for children's rights Tamara Plamadeala said she will inform the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva about the violation of children's rights if the Chisinau City Hall does not take steps and deal with the stray dogs problem so as to remove the risks to which the children are exposed. On July 6, Tamara Plamadeala submitted a note with relevant recommendations to the City Hall. “I do not ask for five-star hotels for the dogs. Measures should be taken immediately, not waiting until a shelter is built. The lives of the children are more important. The children are on vacation and spend most of the time on playgrounds,” the ombudswoman stated for Info-Prim Neo. Contacted by the Agency's reporter, the head of the City Hall's press office Vadim Branzaniuc said the problem of stray dogs is close to being solved. The plot on which the shelter will be built was selected. The construction works will start in autumn. Vadim Branzaniuc stated he does not now about the ombudswoman's approach. The shelter for stray dogs will be constructed on Soseau Balcani St. It will accommodate 1,000 dogs. A decision to this effect was taken by the Chisinau Council in February. As many as 347 cases of stray dogs attacking children were reported in Chisinau in 2009.