They see hope for Bulgaria – just as they did for their own country years ago.
Students from the Dutch educational institution Yuverta mbo Den Bosch, along with their professors – veterinary doctors, visited Bulgaria as part of an international initiative. After a stay in Sofia, where they explored the educational facilities of the University of Forestry, they traveled to the Burgas region at the invitation of Liliya Stoyanova from the Burgas-based organization “Purr paws” to take part in a stray animal neutering campaign. The campaign took place in Chernomorets from January 28 to 31.
The young veterinary assistants and their professors worked closely with Bulgarian organizations and volunteers who have been caring for stray animals in the region for years. The campaign was joined by both the local organization "Homeless paws - Sozopol"and organizations and volunteers from Burgas and Chernomorets. Д-р Ана Чанева от “Югоизточна Ветеринарна Клиника – Св. Анна” provided her clinic, equipped with operating rooms and a recovery unit, which enabled the students and their professors to perform 82 cat neuterings and 3 dog neuterings. In addition to the neutering procedures, some injured and sick animals also received medical treatment.
The veterinarians from Yuverta shared that they are encouraged by the efforts being made in Bulgaria.They emphasized that the beginning is always difficult, but there is a way forward – many years ago, the Netherlands was in the same situation. We asked them what is more important for achieving progress similar to theirs – laws and regulations or a shift in public attitudes. Their answer was: "Both, absolutely together."However, they added one crucial element – educational campaigns targeting young people and children. In the Netherlands, the problem was solved precisely through this approach: legislative measures, enforcement, strict penalties for abandonment and animal abuse, mass neutering, promotion of adoption, and educational campaigns. It is a process that takes time but delivers results - today, the Netherlands is the first country in the world without stray animals!
This example gives us hope that with the right actions, we can achieve the same in Bulgaria. No matter how difficult it may seem, the solution is clear – more neutering, more adoptions, stricter legislative measures, and greater awareness. We hope that more and more young people in Bulgaria will join initiatives like ours and become part of the change.
Once again, we express our gratitude to Dr. Chaneva, who made this collaboration possible, giving the students and professors from Yuverta the opportunity to exchange valuable experience with us and giving stray animals a chance for a better life.
This neutering campaign was important to us, as the funds from the municipal program are running out, and until the new one is approved, we once again rely on donations and funds raised from charity bazaars. We cannot afford to wait and do nothing because we risk an unwanted population increase in certain areas. The breeding season for cats has begun, and there is no time for delay!
