PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) – A recent heat wave affecting Western Europe has now reached the Balkans, drawing attention to the ongoing issue of abandoned animals in Montenegro. With temperatures soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), animal welfare activists are alarmed by the plight of several unattended horses roaming the outskirts of Podgorica, the country's capital. These animals are left without shelter, water, or food, raising concerns about their safety in such extreme conditions.
Marta Darmanovic, an animal protection activist, expressed her disbelief that a country like Montenegro, which is only 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the city center, lacks proper facilities for abandoned large animals. "It is not in the middle of nowhere," she emphasized, highlighting the urgent need for attention and action.
The heat wave has not only impacted the animals but has also had broader implications across Europe. Various countries have experienced record-breaking temperatures, straining healthcare systems and challenging individuals to find relief from the sweltering heat. France, for instance, has seen temperatures rise above those recorded during the catastrophic 2003 heat wave that resulted in approximately 15,000 fatalities, particularly among the elderly.
The area in Podgorica where the horses have gathered is in proximity to an illegal dumpsite and several unregistered settlements, adding to the uncertainty regarding the ownership and welfare of the animals. Darmanovic criticized the government's inability to provide even the minimum required infrastructure to enforce animal welfare regulations, stating that Montenegro has effectively legalized animal abuse due to these failures.
As Montenegro, a small Adriatic nation with a population of roughly 620,000, strives to join the European Union by 2028, it faces pressure to establish laws governing animal welfare. EU candidate countries are required to comply with such regulations to gain membership.
Branko Kovacevic, head of Podgorica’s Municipal Inspection Administration, acknowledged the issue and noted that while shelters exist for smaller animals like dogs and cats, the situation with larger animals, including horses, remains critical. "As far as the law allows us, we deal with the problem," Kovacevic stated, while also pointing out the lack of accountability for providing necessary care to these animals.
The harsh summer conditions are familiar to Montenegro and the surrounding Balkan regions, but local authorities are still advising residents to avoid outdoor activities and ensure adequate hydration. A slight reprieve from the heat is expected early next week.
In a nearby example, the local zoo in Osijek, Croatia, is taking steps to care for its animals, providing them with refreshing treats like ice cream made from fruit and meat during the heat. Zoo staff member Zeljko Busljeta confirmed that animals, such as monkeys, prefer to stay indoors and are being given cold foods like watermelon, melons, and cold beverages to help them cope with the heat.
The plight of abandoned animals in Montenegro amid rising temperatures serves as a stark reminder of the need for better infrastructure and regulations to protect vulnerable creatures. As the region continues to experience extreme weather conditions, the calls for action from animal welfare activists grow louder, urging authorities to prioritize animal well-being in their plans for the future.
