The life of a street dog, Kosovo

The article “A Street Dog's Life” from Kosovo 2.0 provides a mercilessly honest insight into the hard lives of street dogs in Kosovo — an everyday life full of dangers, hunger, illness and rejection. It tells the story of dogs that roam anonymously through cities and villages, always looking for something to eat or a safe place to sleep — and are all too often met with rejection or even violence.

While some dogs receive help by chance — from veterinariansinside, animal rights activistswithin or compassionate people — the majority remain invisible, uncared for and defenceless. The article also highlights the complex relationship between the population, authorities and animal welfare organizations. In many places, there is a lack of awareness of sustainable solutions such as castration, and animal suffering is ignored or even systematically suppressed.

But the problem is not new. For many years, stray dogs in Kosovo have largely been left to their own devices. Killings, lack of animal shelters, uncontrolled multiplication and lack of enforcement of laws further aggravate the situation.

In spite of everything, there is hope. The article also shows how much passion and commitment local organizations and international partners invest to alleviate suffering — through CNVR programs (Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return), educational work and intensive cooperation with communities.

It reminds us that each of these animals has a life, a story, a being — and that it is the responsibility of all of us to look, show empathy and promote sustainable solutions.

Stray dogs are no problem — they are the visible result of a lack of political and social responsibility. It is time to change that.