With the support from the European Union and Swiss Government, extended through European PROGRES programme, an abandoned animal shelter has been constructed in Vlasotince but will also be employed by Bojnik as well.
This 400-square metre asylum, equipped to accommodate up to 100 animals, infirmary and dispensary will be operated by the employees of the PUC Komunalac who have undergone training in care and adequate treatment of abandoned animals as well as the related legal framework, together with civil servants and civil society representatives from both municipalities.
“We now have a facility where abandoned animals will be treated in a lawful and humane manner. Once we purchase vehicles for catching abandoned animals, the shelter will be working at its full capacity,“ said President of Municipality of Vlasotince Zoran Todorovic, adding that the facility was just handed over to PUC Komunalac from Vlasotince.
“I believe the effects of the project will be felt very soon both in terms of fewer animals in the streets and fewer damage claims. In 2017, we paid nearly RSD3.6 million in damages. In 2016 and 2015 we had to pay between RSD3.5-4 million. These numbers speak volumes of the cost effectiveness of this RSD17 million-worth project,“ President of the Municipality said.
“The abandoned animals shelter project, conceived in line with legal requirements and good European practices, contributes to both protection and well-being of animals and safety and well-being of people,“ National Manager of the European PROGRES programme Marko Vujacic said.
Apart from the social, the project is important from the economic point of view as well, he said, as a reduction in damage claims would allow the local self-government to direct money to other projects of interest for the local community.
„It is worth noting that the project is a result of inter-municipal cooperation between Vlasotince and Bojnik. This is a good example of how small municipalities can join forces to do their duties in a more cost-effective and efficient manner,“ Vujacic said and wished his fellow-citizens a happy Municipal Day and his local self-government to remain equally or even more successful in achieving its development goals.
According to Coordinator of the Office for Local Economic Development Marinko Djordjevic the Municipality of Vlasotince has decided to offer its citizens land use free of charge and has made a decision regarding the construction of the facility of public interest. However, both municipalities will be responsible for asylum funding and maintenance according to an Agreement on inter-municipal municipal activities within the dog shelter. “Such an approach not only makes both municipalities more responsible and transparent, but also strengthens their partnership which is one of the principles of good governance,“ Marinko Djordjevic said.
Representatives of animal care organisations have been consulted during project preparation and implementation and the association for animal protection Protekta from Vlasotince will continue to take part in shelter’s activities.
The European Union and the Government of Switzerland support activities of the European PROGRESS programme which contributes to sustainable development of the southeast and southwest Serbia, with a total of EUR24.46 million. Approved projects will be aimed at strengthening local administrations; creating an environment that fosters development of infrastructure and economy; and improving the implementation of social inclusion and employment policy. The programme is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Service (UNOPS).
The municipalities included in the programme – Novi Pazar, Ivanjica, Nova Varos, Priboj, Prijepolje, Raska, Sjenica and Tutin in southwest Serbia, as well as Prokuplje, Blace, Zitoradja, Kursumlija, Leskovac, Bojnik, Vlasotince, Lebane, Medvedja, Crna Trava, Vranje, Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Vladicin Han, Presevo, Surdulica, Trgoviste, Brus, Aleksinac, Gadzin Han, Doljevac, Merosina, Svrljig, Babusnica, Bela Palanka and Knjazevac in southeast of the country.
