Number of stray dogs soars in Chisinau

The number of vagrant dogs has alarmingly increased lately. According to Buiucani district chief, Valeriu Nemerenco, only in his sector, there are from 800 to 1,000 stray dogs. He told the City Hall's sitting on June 9, 50 people have called for the doctor after being bitten by dogs this year only. Asked by Info-Prim Neo, responsible officials from other sector offices in Chisinau have said they do not have information about the number of dogs, still they know the places where they usually ramble. The sector officials have confirmed that more and more citizens lodge complaints asking the local authorities to solve the stray dog issue. Asked what the municipality does in this respect, mayor Dorin Chirtoaca has said: “the solution can't be but humane, because another is not accepted by society.” He says several plots have been identified and soon auctions are to be held to to build shelters for these dogs. At the same time, Dorin Chirtoaca says the animals most probably will get sterilized, still, since the municipal budget does not have the necessary money, he will try to talk in private veterinaries to voluntarily “for the safety of Chisinau residents.”