Beautiful, but only on paper.
In my journalistic activity a lot of space is occupied by the subject of animal welfare. I recently wrote an article: "Injured and dead animals on Polish roads". It took me half an hour to take the photos for this material. In other words, photographing unattended dogs and cats wandering around, as well as the carcasses of animals lying on the roads, is a common phenomenon. This may indicate poor compliance with the law by local governments. The municipality of Michalowice, due to its proximity to a large agglomeration, is particularly exposed to the occurrence (unfortunately still) of dogs being thrown out of cars. But not only. I know of cases of dogs living on the streets. Solitary walking dogs are visible in public spaces. This may indicate a far-reaching insubordination of owners. But also for the poor fulfillment of the municipalities' legal obligation. Amendments to the Law on Animal Protection (entered into force January 1, 2012).) in the passage of interest reads as follows:
Art. 11a. 1. The municipal council shall completeWhen establishing a program for the care of homeless animals and prevention of animal homelessness. 11 ust. 1,
determines, by resolution, annually by March 31, the care program
The municipality, within the framework of preventing homelessness of animals.
2. The program referred to in paragraph. 1, includes:
1) providing homeless animals with a place in an animal shelter;
2) care for free-living cats, including their feeding;
3) Trapping homeless animals;
8) providing 24-hour veterinary care in case of incidents
road accidents involving animals.
5. The program referred to in paragraph. 1, shall include an indication of the amount
funds allocated for its implementation and
how these funds are spent. Costs of program implementation
is borne by the municipality.
The municipality, as part of the prevention of dog homelessness, should arrange for dogs to be tagged (CHIP). Cover the cost of this treatment. Preferably on the occasion of obligatory vaccination against rabies. This would be one concrete measure to help reduce dog homelessness. It is necessary to postulate that the Commune Councils implement such a measure. Write petitions to the Councils. In the structures of Polish self-government is: The council enacts, the mayor, etc. performs. Currently, it may be thought that councils only pass appropriations for the purpose in question and the matter is "unpublished". Social money is flowing, and the effect of this can be questionable, because you can still see wandering four-legged. Therefore, one should postulate and expect concrete actions, not apparent ones. Every municipality has a unit dedicated to environmental protection. It pilots such topics. Otherwise, officials take money for the appearance of implementing statutory recommendations. Quote from the law: Art. 11a. 1. Municipal Council fulfilling the obligation referred to in Art. 11 lips. 1, determines, by way of resolution, every year by 31 March, the programme of care for homeless animals and prevention of animal homelessness.
A tagged dog makes it possible to trace the owner, who should bear responsibility for the wandering dog. Trapping tagged, wandering dogs provides an opportunity to better track and document the animal's fate. It is not money alone, but the thoughtful use of it that is the recipe for happiness. To a large extent it depends on all of us. However, it is necessary to monitor local authorities and enforce sensible actions.
