August 17: We celebrate the International Day of Stray Animals

The International Day of Stray Animals is notes today. The day has been celebrated since 1992, on the third Saturday of August, on the initiative of the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR).

The aim is to raise the awareness of the international community about the plight of homeless and abandoned animals, according to information from the "Reference" department. of BTA. Today is also a reminder of the role of pet owners in preventing the emergence of stray animals through uncontrolled breeding.

In 1695, the world's first shelter for stray dogs appeared in Japan. In the 80s of the 18th century, the first shelters for stray animals appeared in the USA and Great Britain, and at the beginning of the 20th century - in Australia. In 1822, Great Britain passed the first law aimed at protecting animals from cruelty.

A homeless animal is one that does not have an owner and lives on the street, Dr. Nadezhda Mecheva, head of the veterinary clinic for homeless animals of the "Four Paws" foundation, commented to BTA. in Bankya. The foundation also has two mobile clinics that travel around the country in connection with castration campaigns.

People should not pass the stray animals, but should show care and help them, be it with food or water, said Dr. Mecheva. She reminded that dogs and cats are man's best friends and deserve good treatment.

Before providing help, we must approach carefully about the nature of the animal we met on the street, Mecheva pointed out.

It is good for animals to eat only the food suitable for their species. Often people do not realize that our homemade food can be dangerous and lead to severe digestive disorders in animals, the specialist also stated. It is preferable to feed the homeless friend with pellets or canned food, she explained.

If the particular animal is calm, it can be brought to our clinic in Bankya, where it will receive appropriate care, be castrated and vaccinated. This will increase his life expectancy, said Dr. Mecheva. The service is free, as the clinic has a contract with the Metropolitan Municipality.

Although they have no owners, the municipalities are responsible for the stray animals on their territory, noted the veterinarian. Each municipality must comply with the national program on the control of the population of stray animals. And every year the municipalities give a report on the activities carried out, explained Nadezhda Mecheva.