County, local councils are obliged to provide public places

President Klaus Iohannis on Thursday promulgated the law amending and supplementing Government Emergency Ordinance 155/2001 on the approval of the program for the management of stray dogs. According to the new provisions, county and local councils and the General Council of Bucharest are obliged to set up and supplement public shelters for stray dogs from their own funds.

Specialized services for the management of stray dogs can be provided by direct management, delegated management and concession to specialized legal entities or associations and foundations involved in animal protection.

In order to reduce the population of stray dogs, local authorities may subsidize the costs of sterilization or identification and registration of stray dogs. These actions can be carried out by associations or foundations active in the field of animal protection.

The law also stipulates that rabies vaccination of dogs will be carried out in accordance with the rules in force. The trapping of dogs will be carried out by specialized personnel, and methods will include special cages, trap cages and a trapping gun, in compliance with veterinary legislation.

The law had been referred to the Constitutional Court by the president, and the CCR found some provisions unconstitutional. After re-examination, Parliament adopted the law in its updated form.