Gjakova landfill

Abandoned puppies — a daily misery

For the second time within a few weeks, abandoned puppies were found at the landfill in Gjakova, Kosovo, and captured by our team of veterinarians. The small dogs were emaciated, full of parasites and completely on their own. After being rescued, they were immediately dewormed and provided with the vital DHPPL vaccine, which protects against serious infections.

A night watchman, who is regularly on site, had alerted our local vet. He regularly feeds the stray dogs in the landfill — a gesture of humanity in an environment where the animals can hardly hope for help otherwise.

However, the reality remains dreary: These dogs will survive but live a life on the street — with no prospect of adoption or a safe home. Pregnant dogs are abandoned time and again, although we tirelessly provide information and offer free castrations even for privately kept animals.

Despite all our efforts, the situation remains frustrating: We are not receiving any political support in Gjakova. There is a lack of both the means and the will on the part of the authorities to find sustainable solutions to the problem of street dogs. Our team continues to work under difficult conditions to prevent at least the worst and to give the dogs a chance of surviving.

The puppies from the landfill are not forgotten — they are examples of many others who fight to survive in similar circumstances every day.