On World Animal Day, UG WagWag, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ambassador for the event, delivered educational presentations to young students on how to treat stray animals. Learn how this inspiring initiative promotes animal welfare in local communities.
Secrets of Banja Luka – Where Did 30 Street Animals Disappear in 6 Months?
We’ve decided to share a secret with you. This secret is known and kept by members of our organization (and surely some others) and some independent volunteers. This secret is sometimes public, but in those moments, it is neglected and almost entirely unnoticed.
Anonymous volunteers in the streets of the city “steal” dozens of stray animals every year. Quietly, when no one is around, often without announcements on pages and with as little noise as possible. Those who start calls to organizations with, “Please, post this. But you know… Don’t mention me…“. These people, their posts, and the animals they quietly, without much fuss, removed from the street, seem to go unnoticed. Their pleas for help are the quickest to be forgotten. But why so secretly? Due to the judgment of their surroundings, of course. Because of neighbors angry at the world, because of business owners who hate animals, because of colleagues who think it’s a waste of money. Volunteering in our city is often easier if it’s done secretly.
And so begins this secret story – the story of Volunteer X and Volunteer Y
This story is not fictional. Let’s slowly get to know Volunteer X and Volunteer Y. They have been feeding cats around their buildings for years. When one wouldn’t have money, the other would help to get food for all the cats. When the other wouldn’t have a car, the first would drive every animal to the vet. When neither had a way to continue, they would turn to our organization. Volunteer X and Volunteer Y pay most veterinary expenses themselves or with the help of friends and acquaintances. They also often have debts with veterinarians. When the debts become too large, they turn to the organization and ask it to take on part of the debt. The current debts of Volunteer X and Volunteer Y, individually and through NGO WagWag, are around 1000 KM (and if you want, you can help them by sending a donation to PayPal donate@wagwag.club).
What’s the score? (Well, this isn’t a game)
Maybe it isn’t a game, but there is a result. From the New Year until now:
Over 30 animals rescued from the street
Over 15 street cats fed every day
Over 20 assists to other volunteers (with capturing and transport)
In the rest of the blog, you can see photos and brief information about some of the rescues Volunteer X and Volunteer Y participated in this year.
- “Cat Frida, rescued in Borik, Kordunaška street near the towers. The cat was losing hair, was very scared, hiding, extremely thin. Volunteer Z brought food and sand, new sleeping pillows, and Frida’s first toys, and especially through donations helped make Frida’s treatment faster and better. We placed her in temporary accommodation; she gets quality food and drinks Animastrat; we did all her tests, including hair loss from stress…The cat is now well, has received vaccines, and now needs to be spayed. We are looking for a permanent home for her.”
- “Cat Victoria, hit by a car in Kordunaška street, left with a broken jaw, an eye knocked out from the impact, and she will never see from the other eye again. Victoria had even more love and care because Volunteer Z was always there when she could from work and with donations every time. We saved her, operated on her at BL Vet, she was in Vet Medik for a while, received therapy, Animastrat.. was in temporary accommodation. She is now adopted in Germany.”
- “Cat Zućo, was found in terribly bad condition in the Vrbanja neighbourhood.. we immediately went to get him, to Vet Medik for treatment, did tests, he has FIV, very weak immunity, then we had to fight sinusitis, chronically, it returns.. he had to eat special food for a while, now he eats everything. Animastrat every day, probiotics.. he is cuddly and tame, looking for a home.. soon vaccines and castration.. recovering from sinusitis for the third time. Only love saved Cat Zućo, which he had from all sides, a lot of care and cuddles from volunteers, and especially Volunteer Z, who always thinks about the details: the comfort the cat must have, warmth, and the highest quality food, of course, donations as much as we can, and they came from all sides.”
- “The Cat from the garage has chronic bronchitis. We sterilized her, and she is now fine. We are returning her to the location because she is quite wild and not for adoption. She had kittens; one stayed, and we saved it, in temporary care.”
- “Cat that couldn’t use her back legs, found near Slap, along with another kitten from the same litter. Vet, x-rays, food, urination at the vet every day two or three times. The cat was adopted by a wonderful person, Q, and the cat walked again and enjoyed life. Another kitten from the garages adopted by Q, had eye inflammation, now they enjoy together.”
- “A Colorful, sweet cat from the garages and her kittens were saved, and they are in temporary care, receiving their first vaccine.”
- “Šarplaninac left alone in the yard, the owner, who was already elderly, got sick.. relatives couldn’t take him.. they wanted to call the shelter. Neighbours fed Medo. When we came for him, the neighbours cried for him. We found him temporary care, visited him daily, walked, and gave him love. He was in BL for three months. Volunteer Z walked Medo every day for three months, three hours each time, taking him out of the box he was in, cuddling him and promising him a dream home. And she succeeded… Medo was adopted in France in a small place near Lyon, where he has a big yard and wonderful people who love and appreciate how wonderful he is!”
- “Terrier dog, Basty, 4 years old, wandering around Mejdan exhausted, bitten, full of ticks, in dreadlocks, moving with difficulty. He was constantly being posted; who would save him… then we took action and took him to the vet; he got Simparica, already treated.., and had a mark. Took him for grooming and bathing. We found temporary care for him and got vaccines for infectious diseases.. soon he went to Germany through W and is now waiting for adoption.. he’s posted.”
- “Female dog Mirna, now posted for adoption as Santana. I found her in the Zotović area, limping a bit, took her to the vet and found out she was about 8 months old. Sterilized… She got her first vaccine and got sick, got parvo.. the fight started: infusions, vitamins, immune-boosting cocktails, injections, expensive serum.. daily with her just to survive. Luckily, Mirna is fine and recovered. She also went to Germany through W and is waiting for people to adopt her. We have a debt in Vet Medic, about 400KM.. but Mirna is in the right place, and that’s important. They named her Santana.”
- “A dog we saved is also a Husky that wandered around Ramići for days. He was hit in the jaw.. couldn’t eat, and was already exhausted.. we did many posts about him. Q and I sat down, found him and take to the vet.. the chip was read and the owner found.. who came for him. Their Husky had escaped, and they were looking for him. The owner was grateful we found him because he would have died if we hadn’t taken him to the vet.”
- “Dogs from Drvar: We saved a mother and two puppies. Q and I went to Drvar. We brought them, dewormed them, vaccinated them, and temporarily cared for them. One puppy was immediately adopted in BL. The mother and other puppy were treated further, sterilized, and are now going to Germany for adoption this Friday or next.”
- “Beki, the dog that often wandered around Bema, was everyone’s and no one’s. We saved him with an injured leg, temporary care, vaccines, castration, papers, and a passport. Volunteer Z spent hours with Beki, cuddling him and playing with him endlessly because Beki had special energy that needed to be followed. She whispered to him every day that he would be the happiest dog in the world! And he is! Happily adopted in Germany.”
- “Yellow kittens saved from the street, with eye problems, have been to the vet, got antibiotics, applied ointment, and given Animastrat. They are in temporary care, waiting to recover and get vaccinated.”
- “Mona is the mother of 9 puppies.. We saved her pregnant because everyone at the bar in Trapisti was kicking her.. now in temporary care.. waiting for the first vaccine.”
We must emphasize that this blog talks about Volunteer X and Volunteer Y as people who committed to specific animals from the street and followed their needs from rescue to adoption. By telling their story, we do not want to diminish the contributions of others who participated in donating or finding homes for these animals because without them these rescues wouldn’t be possible. Thank you, Volunteer X, for taking the time to write short descriptions of some of the rescued animals. And don’t forget, the next time you see an anonymous post on social media – it might be from Volunteer X and Volunteer Y. Help them if you can.
Infectious Diseases and Corruption Prevent Animal Adoption from Banja Luka Shelter
The city shelter, with an annual budget of 180,000 KM, and volunteers offering to rehome several dozen dogs monthly into safe, verified homes with feedback.
Sounds like the beginning of a very nice story, doesn’t it?
Unfortunately, at the shelter in Banja Luka, this story has a tragic continuation.
On February 28, 2024, the NGO WagWag sent news to the city administration that should be great for every abandoned dog in Banja Luka. The news was that a volunteer had established cooperation with foreign organizations that agreed to rehome several dozen animals from the city shelter every month.
The very next day, WagWag was invited to a meeting at the city administration to discuss the details of the cooperation. The city only needed to provide veterinary care and tests for certain types of infectious diseases, and the volunteers, once granted access to the shelter, were to prepare photographs of the animals for adoption and assist in finding them homes.

The city took a few days to finalize the details of the offer with their legal department, but initially approved it and allowed a few volunteers into the shelter to photograph the first 10 animals.
What was supposed to be the beginning of a happier time for Banja Luka’s abandoned animals ended with volunteers at the clinical center anxiously awaiting the results of a brucellosis test.
Despite the fact that on the first day volunteers found animals infected with giardia and various skin diseases, the approach to the project by the organization and volunteers continued optimistically, still initiating faster treatment of animals and more detailed monitoring of their health.


After the initial agreement that volunteers could access the shelter, after the first entry on March 6, 2024, volunteers were no longer allowed into the shelter despite requests.
Unofficial information suggests that the Vet Center clinic was at no point during that period ready to open its doors to visitors, despite this directly violating Article 20:
(1) The working hours of the facilities referred to in Article 1 of this regulation, which relate to work with clients, must be at least four hours on working days, and during 24 hours a day, an on-call service must be provided for receiving animals in emergencies.
Regulations on the establishment and conditions that animal shelters must meet, Official Gazette of BiH, number 27/10
The slow response of the city administration and the Vet Center clinic resulted in 20 animals missing the opportunity to go to new homes during that period.
Determined to take at least a small step forward, the volunteers patiently wait to re-enter the shelter and confirm that the previously photographed dogs are now treated for visible diseases and, for safety, tested for other infectious diseases.
On March 20, 2024, the volunteers received completely unexpected news – ONE OF THE DOGS IN THE SHELTER TESTED POSITIVE FOR BRUCELLOSIS.



Unfortunately, for this wonderful soul, legally there was no other option but euthanasia. Another life lost behind the closed doors of the Manjača shelter, run by the Vet Center under a contract with the city of Banja Luka.
This scenario sadly shocked no one, given that the shelter’s management has been shameful for years. What is shocking is that even today, six days later, the city has not officially notified the volunteers who visited the shelter on March 6 that they are potentially infected and should undergo preventive testing for brucellosis.
After years and years of neglecting the health and lives of animals, the Vet Center, in collaboration with the city administration, has begun to endanger the lives and health of volunteers. The notice the volunteers received about preventive testing was informal and verbal and did not allow them to get a referral from their family doctor for tests, which would mean they would have to bear the costs of testing themselves.
The public institution, which is also responsible for the outbreak, did not even dignify the citizens with an official notice and help with covering the costs. The same citizens who, a month ago, selflessly offered their effort, time, and work to help solve the problem that those who are paid to do so have not resolved for years.
10 Products For Your Pets That Will Make Your Life Easier
As a pet lover, you surely want nothing but the best for your pet. There are many well-known products such as food and water dispensers, litter boxes, and dog leashes, but there are also a variety of lesser-known products that can make life easier and more enjoyable for you and your pet. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five such products.
February 1st – A Shameful Day For Spain
The brutal killing of dogs in Spain which is repeated year after year!
Unfulfilled promises of the City of Banjaluka and why volunteers suffer because of them
“The mayor should look at the incorrect documentation” – a sentence repeated countless times in the last 10 months. To him, the members of the communal department and other associations… ignored because no one cares that the city’s signature is on a document that clearly states that the number of dogs in the shelter increased by 40 in one month and that on the last day of that month, the same amount of the food was spent in the shelter as on the first day of that month. The weight from the first to the thirtieth is the same every month. The number of caught and brought dogs often increased by 20 or 40 in that period. But the amount of food given to them remains the same.
Interestingly, this document does not have information about any dog leaving the shelter in 365 days.
Many were brought. Who knows which one because nothing is written about them. Neither the colour, the size, nor where they are located. This does not matter to the Vet Center, which runs the City Shelter, or to the City, which signs it. The only information that is stated in the diary that monitors the work of the shelter is – “so many were caught, and so many were charged“.
Where were they caught? What condition are they in? What gender are they? Did they once have a home, and were the owners who evicted them punished? That doesn’t matter to anyone. The number is important, the payment is made by the number.
“Only two hygienists are working in the shelter; we don’t have time to photograph and publish them” – and the hourly rates they write in the diary for the work of hygienists in the field are such that 4 people could hardly do them.
Are all workers’ rights being violated in the shelter or are citizens’ tax money being stolen? Nobody cares.
Nobody cared even when the Mayor decided to put his signature on the contract with the Vet Center, which is currently under investigation by Transparency International for corruption, and increases their budget by 25,000 euros. Starting this year, 85,000 euros of citizens’ taxes will be given to those who do not allow the same citizens to enter the shelter, even though the law stipulates that the minimum amount of work with parties is 8 hours a day.
The same clinic chipped the dog twice and charged twice. One to the Dog’s Trust foundation, and one to the family that adopted the dog. Despite the report, they were not punished because it was “accidental”. The self-proclaimed best vet in town who yells at volunteers accidentally put his signature and stamp twice on the same page of the animal’s passport and accidentally issued a receipt twice.
It is obvious to any reasonable person that he could have enrolled in veterinary medicine only by chance because his love for animals was certainly not a decisive factor.
Not a single animal adopted from the shelter has ever been published on the city page or on the recently created page of the shelter (which somehow managed to disappear from social networks). Although, we should be fair and mention the lady who herself proudly posted in the comments a photo of her dog ON A CHAIN, which she humanely adopted from the city shelter.
You should be honest and mention the windows and fences that have been installed. Too proudly advertised on social media in posts that seem to have forgotten to mention that both the windows and the drain were made after the inspection issued an order to make them and charged a fine for not having them.
The tragedy of the fact that the City of Banja Luka is proud of the fact that their shelter recently has windows will not be discussed on this occasion.
We will talk about all the proposals that UG WagWag presented to the City Administration in the last 10 months and their reaction to them:
(20-06-2021) WagWag applies to a public call for co-financing of citizens’ associations with the aim of creating a network with the help of which it would be easier to adopt and save animals – rejected
A large number of volunteers contact WagWag pointing out the problem of not being able to volunteer at the City shelter and asking for help.
(17-07-2021) WagWag submits to Milada Šukalo a proposal for entirely free assistance in the organization of the work of the shelter and the involvement of volunteers in the activities in the shelter, following the example of the shelter in Osijek, which is run by volunteers and with which UG WagWag has cooperation and approval to transfer good practices to the Banja Luka shelter. Submitted and elaborated proposal of self-sustaining shelter – proposal was completely ignored
Many volunteers highlight the problem of a large number of street cats and the fact that they themselves spend money on sterilization and treatment of street cats.
(17-09-2021) WagWag sends a request for support for the cat sterilization project (2500 euros which would be paid to veterinary clinics and thus enable volunteers to reduce the population of street cats). The request was sent to the addresses of the municipal department, the mayor and the city administration – received a short answer that the city does not have a budget for this problem
(15-11-2021) A request for a meeting sent to the utility department to draw attention to all the problems pointed out by the volunteers
(15-12-2021) The first meeting with the city administration. WagWag offers help with the organization of volunteers, free creation of a shelter page, free photography of all animals and presents the proposal of a self-sustaining shelter run by volunteers – claims that the Shelter is unconditional for the entry of volunteers, but at the same time somehow more than conditional for the animals to stay 24 hours a day
(11-12-2021) WagWag is applying for co-financing of a project to educate citizens about the problem and create statistics on the actual number of stray and injured animals on the streets of the city in the amount of 2000 KM – the application was rejected
Councilor Rosić, in search of his dog, comes across a terrible situation in the shelter in Ramići and points out the problem at the session
(28-12-2021) Received an invitation to look at the new shelter in Manjača. Open days promised once a month. They promised windows in the shortest possible time
(25-01-2022) Since the open houses did not happen after a month as promised, UG WagWag invites the utilities department to another meeting – the proposal was ignored
(18-04-2022) UG is once again applying for a public call for co-financing projects of citizens’ associations in an attempt to develop a system that would enable each of the volunteers to present their problems and monitor the adoption of the animals they helped, as well as raising awareness among young people about this problem – co-financing was refused
(19-04-2022) The city administration initiates a meeting with associations for animal protection, inspectors and the clinic that runs the shelter – for every proposal for a solution presented by UG Vardi and UG WagWag, 3 to 5 problems were presented, due to which the problem allegedly cannot be solved
Volunteers turn to the association with the desire to have access to the shelter
(24-06-2022) Contacted the president of the assembly – ignored
Volunteers turn to the association with the desire to have access to the shelter
UG WagWag contacts councilor Rosić and relays the volunteer’s request for help
(29-06-2022) The head of the department claims at the session that the situation in the shelter is the “best in the region”
(02-07-2022) On the initiative of councilor Rosić, a visit was organized during which a large number of sick animals were found, and by checking the chips, it was determined that most of the animals had not been veterinary processed. WagWag again offers the proposal of a self-sustaining shelter run by volunteers, emphasizes the willingness of 4 veterinary clinics (which are NOT under investigation for corruption) to participate in the work of the shelter with volunteers and offers free organization of all activities – during the visit, open days are promised
(04-07-2022) UG WagWag goes public with videos of the horrifying conditions in the shelter
(06-07-2022) At the invitation of the mayor, a meeting is held with all associations – a promised solution to the problem
(09-07-2022) A meeting was held where the associations stated as a primary priority the entry of volunteers into the shelter, the creation of a page where there is detailed information (admission date, microchip number, age, sex, where it was found) about each individual in separate albums, installation of windows and drains (previously reported inspection) and employment of an shelter coordinator – for everything except construction works, a deadline of 10 days was promised
(13-07-2022) A meeting with the veterinary inspection where the action of chipping and vaccination of animals was agreed – the deadline for the start of the action that was agreed is 2 months
(14-07-2022) WagWag sends an example of a “Memorandum for volunteers“, an example of “Shelter Etiquette” and “Shelter Rulebook” modelled after the Shelter in Osijek, which is run by volunteers
(19-07-2022) The communal department corrects the documentation in a way that conditions the freedom of movement and activities of volunteers
(28-07-2022) UG WagWag submits a proposal for a “Form for basic information about an individual” which would contain all the information that is currently missing in the shelter log – ignored
(05-08-2022) A meeting of the City Administration, volunteers and several representatives of the animal protection association was held – WagWag refuses to come with the explanation that it does not take cooperation with the city seriously after breaking through all the deadlines
(10-08-2022) UG WagWag refuses to sign the memorandum on cooperation with the explanation that the work of the shelter and the City Administration is frivolous and that the association does not want to be associated with the Vet Center, which is under investigation for corruption, and allow their workers to control the movement of volunteers through the shelter as if they were prisoners, not people who they engage in humane work and sacrifice their money and free time
(22-08-2022) The city administration goes public with the information that the Dog Police has been formed – all the media attention is focused on the collection of excrement and wearing a muzzle, while the penalties for throwing out animals, keeping them in bad conditions or uncontrolled driving are not mentioned
(08-09-2022) The city administration organizes a meeting where UG WagWag does not attend
(15-09-2022) The city administration organizes a meeting with the inspection and communal police at which UG WagWag does not attend – it is important to emphasize that the inspection respects the agreements and the only objection to the work is the delay in finding a way for the owners to legally commit to sterilisation.
UG Vardi contacts UG WagWag and reports that Milada Šukalo suggested that the cat problem be included in the memorandum and that it is necessary to write a project with a proposed solution
(20-09-2022) UG WagWag indicates that it has a ready team of volunteers who can organize the sterilization of up to 30 animals per month and submits the cat sterilization project (seventh and eighth time) to the municipal department and Milada Šukalo – to this day there is no feedback
There is no day for volunteers. There are no open days.
During this time, WagWag has created an SOS app that helps rescue stray animals and makes it easier to see the real extent of the problem, as well as make it easier to find a lost pet. On three occasions, the association received funds for the sterilization of over 10 street cats in a month, formed a team of 20 volunteers who help with sterilization and participated in numerous shocking cases of rescuing stray and injured animals. In the last 2 months, the Association’s social media posts reached more than a million people. In addition, six educations were held in smaller municipalities of the Republika Srpska on the proper treatment of stray and owned animals. Over 150 high school and elementary school students participated in these educations. Over 70 animals were rescued from the streets.
No budget, and no help from the system. At the same time offering help to those who need to help us.
THIS TEXT WAS WRITTEN AT THE INITIATIVE OF VOLUNTEERS
On the initiative of volunteers, we have been praying for our city for over 10 months
At the initiative of volunteers, we come up with solutions for which they close the door in our face
At the initiative of volunteers, we scream at the top of our lungs that we can’t do it anymore
ON THE LAST DAY OF HIS LIFE, GORAN KARANOVIĆ WROTE THAT THERE WAS NO WAY TO FIGHT ANYMORE!
DOZENS OF OTHERS WRITE THAT THEY HAVE NO MORE WAYS. WE TRANSFER THE CITY OF TEARS TO PEOPLE WHO ARE RUNNING OUT OF STRENGTH AND WHO ARE SCREAMING THAT THEY NEED HELP. OUR CITY REMAINS DEAF AND BLIND TO THESE TEARS.
A new box doesn’t mean a modern shelter – corruption and sick animals behind closed door of the animal shelter in Banja Luka
The open days promised every month from the beginning of 2022 are happening for the first time on the last day of June.
A barn divided into boxes with a new fence, the “carpentry” is nylon. The door on the opposite side of the building is closed, although the room is incredibly stuffy.
“The best that was possible in this period of time and with this amount of funds“, says the city administration.
The question is whether perhaps more could be done if the shelter was not run by someone under investigation by an international organization against corruption?
Could more be done if the help of proven international animal protection associations and foundations is accepted?
Dogs Trust is ready to finance the sterilization of street dogs in Banja Luka.
“We are not sure that it is a good idea to return a sterilized dog to the street“, said the city administration. Leaving them unsterilized and allowing them to produce another 12 new puppies in a year might seem like a better option to them?
“Thank you to alderman Rosić and no one else!” – a year ago, it seemed like a strange comment on an animal protection site. Six months later, no one except alderman Milenko Rosić deserved a thank you.
Why is it stated in the diary of the shelter that the dogs receive the same amount of food in grams every day of the month, even though 20 new dogs were caught and brought in that month, they don’t know from the city administration. This is perhaps not surprising because they don’t even know what parvovirus is, from which, according to its symptoms, dying dogs were taken out of the shelter in front of volunteers.
But without a test, it is impossible to determine whether the animals have received a vaccine against infectious diseases.
Fortunately, the chip, which is given by law when the rabies vaccine is given, can be read in a few seconds… that is… it is possible if the animal has it. In the shelter, most of the checked animals did not have it.
Following:
INSTRUCTIONS ON THE FORMATION AND CONDITIONS THAT ANIMAL SHELTERS MUST FULFILL
(that is, all its items that are violated)
To begin with things related to the conditions in the facility, which can only be regulated by window settings. The city administration’s reasoning for why the windows have not been installed for 6 months is that every contractor quits.
22. The air temperature on the premises for dogs and cats must not be lower than 5° C, and in summer, it can be in accordance with the outside air temperature, with the proviso that in that case, such a ventilation system must be provided, and if necessary, air conditioning, which will ensure sufficient ventilation and, if necessary, cooling.
23. In rooms where sick animals are housed, if there is no heating system with a directed heat source (infrared light, heated floor, etc.), the ambient temperature must not be lower than 18°C.
24. The floors, walls and roof of rooms where animals are housed must be adequately insulated from adverse climatic influences.
An object whose violation can be avoided by allowing volunteers to assist in moving animals or by opening existing hatches on the facility.
33. Object from point 1. of this instruction must meet the needs of the animals housed in them so that the animals:
- they don’t suffer hunger and thirst,
- they are not exposed to physical discomfort and fear,
- they are protected from injuries and diseases and
- they are in an appropriate environment related to their own kind.
Associations in Banja Luka receive daily inquiries from citizens about where and how it is possible to find the number and working hours of the shelter…
34. Working hours of an object from point 1. of this instruction, which refers to working with parties, must be at least four hours on a working day, and 24 hours a day must be on call to receive animals in emergency cases.
35. The duty will be organized in agreement with the veterinary organization in a way that ensures emergency veterinary assistance to the animal 24 hours a day.
36. At the entrance to the objects from point 1. of this instruction, a signboard with the full name, address, phone number and working hours must be placed
In addition to offers for volunteering that were rejected by the city administration, at the meeting organized a little more than a month ago, it was also stated that two employees are working in the shelter, and it was emphasized that this volume of work is too much for so many people.
37. In the objects from point 1. of this instruction, there must be an adequate number of people taking care of the animals, at least one person in relation to 50 animals.
Articles that refer to problems that citizens mostly solve themselves. There are a large number of posts on social networks that show that animals sometimes spend more than a day immobile and in pain
50. Legal and natural persons who perform activities in the objects referred to in point 1. of this instruction are obliged to provide housing for the animal within 24 hours of receiving the report, and if the animal is injured, within four hours.
51. If there is no room for new animals in the shelter, the manager of the shelter can agree with the person who found the animal, or another interested person, to take care of the animal until accommodation in the shelter is secured or to send the animal to another shelter for care if they can also accept it.
Most of the checked dogs in the shelter did not have a chip, which by law is given at the same time as the rabies vaccine
59. Any animal found for which it is not possible to determine the health status with respect to rabies is considered an animal of unknown health status with respect to rabies and must be segregated, as determined by point 54. of this instruction.
60. After the end of the period spent in isolation with a negative result of the clinical examination for rabies, the animal should be vaccinated against rabies and can be adopted.
61. Dogs found without an owner must be admitted to a shelter and must be provided with the necessary veterinary and health care, sterilization or castration and marking, except in the case referred to in point 51. of this instruction and after the deadline from article 30. paragraph 2. of the Act, in which the owner of the animal did not demand the return of the animal.
The Dogs Trust program is still not approved because the city administration is not sure if it is right to return the sterilized animal to the location where it was found. In the meantime, the rulebook also has this item
64. After recovery and implemented measures in accordance with points 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57. and 58 of this instruction, dogs from point 63. of this instruction, they can be released into the environment from which they were taken, if they are visibly marked, unless there are people who will take care of them
The city administration promotes to “adopt love”. At the same time, it does not provide potential adopters with any of the information specified by the ordinance.
70. Animal records include data on:
- accepted animals (time of report on finding, time of animal’s admission to the shelter, species, sex, weight, number of identification tag if the dog is marked, age assessment, initial observation on the state of health, photo of the animal, place where the animal was found),
- adopted animals (date of adoption, address and telephone number of the adopter),
- animals sent to another shelter (date of referral and address of the shelter to which the animal was sent),
- sterilized or castrated animals (date of sterilization and castration),
- microchipped animals,
- animals released to the place where they were found (location where the animal was released and microchip number),
- dead or euthanized animals (reason for death or euthanasia, date of euthanasia, name and surname, signature and seal of the veterinarian who performed the euthanasia) and
- animal health record.
Below is the most problematic (violated) clause of the city’s contract with the clinic that runs the city’s shelter
Article 8.
The following information must be entered in the diary:
- number, species, breed, sex and age of caught animals (dogs, cats)
- the amount and type of used vaccines, injections, agents against external and internal parasites
- the number of performed sterilizations,
- the number of working hours of a graduated veterinarian, veterinary technician and hygienist,
- amount of food used for animals,
- the number of corpses removed and taken away
- the amount of other resources used (cleaning agents, disinfectants, HT3 equipment, office materials) – this item is entered on the last day of the month,
- other data related to the provision of services, which are the subject of the contract
If anyone in this city knows what it’s like to not have money to help animals, it is the citizen volunteers who are begging for the help of 5 KM to cure the animals. This article does not refer to the lack of premises, outlets, infrastructure problems of the facility and similar problems that require large investments.
It refers to the problems that arose due to the negligent and sloppy fulfilment of the duty of the clinic in charge towards the city and therefore citizens of Banja Luka. It refers to insufficiently strict checking of contractors by the city administration. On lack of interest when citizens’ associations point out the problem.
From the refusal of the association’s offers for volunteer help at the location to the lack or complete absence of attempts by the city and the in-charge clinic to achieve cooperation with international associations and foundations that help citizens, to the lack of will to include leftover food from restaurants in the animals’ nutrition, which would help the environment as well, to the lack of will to sell cardboard and paper waste from city institutions in order to direct these funds to the project started by citizens’ associations for the sterilization of cats, because the municipal department did not remember that cats exist.
In 6 months: 0 educations, 0 open days, 0 rescued cats, 0 applications for European projects in this area, 0 realized collaborations.
A new tender for running the shelter was announced and no one knew about it until the day after the closure. The explanation from the city administration is that it was published, but no one asked for it.
Daily calls, emails, pleas and appeals from citizens that the work of the hygiene service does more harm than good to the situation with abandoned animals in the city of Banjaluka, and the city administration has decided not to post an invitation for a new contract on social networks either. The city administration of Banjaluka decided to increase the budget by 40,000 KM and close the competition even though, as they say, only one clinic applied for it, the same one that currently runs the shelter, the same one that is under the investigation of the international organization against corruption.
180,000 KM from the citizens of Banja Luka will once again disappear behind the closed doors of the shelter.
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Why are black cats associated with bad luck and Halloween?
Black cats are so much better than you think! Whether you are a cat owner or not, we can all agree that no other domesticated cat has a reputation quite like black cats.
While black cats are typically associated with Halloween, witchcraft, and bad luck, there’s much more to these fur balls than the creepy stuff. Learn the history of black cats, how they became Halloween icons, and where they are considered a symbol of good fortune.

The background of black cats and witches
If you think about it, it’s no surprise that humanity tends to distrust our feline friends. In the earliest days of history, cats were large, carnivorous creatures that evidence suggests humans often had to fend off to survive.
Fast-forward thousands of years – how did this fear translate over to a specifically coloured domestic cat? It is believed that this superstition began around the Middle Ages in Europe. Folklore spread about a man and his son who came across a black cat, which they started to toss rocks at. The injured cat ran into a woman’s house who was suspected of being a witch, and when the woman happened to appear limping and bruised the next day, people suspected that the cat must be the woman in disguise. This disturbing practise carried over to the prosecution of witches across Europe and eventually to the Salem Witch Trials. As a result, black cats whose owners were accused of witchcraft were associated with the Devil and evil. Furthermore, people thought black cats assisted witches in their evil deeds and that witches could transform into black cats to lurk in the shadows and cast spells on people. As a result, both witches and black cats were persecuted and killed together.
People think that they cannot read the emotions of black cats.
The perceived inability to read the emotions of black cats predicted the black cat bias. In other words, those who felt that they could not read the expression of black cats also rated black cats as less friendly, more aggressive, and less adoptable.

Not everyone hated black cats!
That being said, there were plenty of black cat-lovers throughout history, too! Ancient Egyptians viewed black cats as divine and believed that gods lived within them. In certain parts of 19th century Europe, black cat sightings were considered good omens. For example, the Irish thought that a black cat on your porch was good luck, and in Japan, black cats are similarly revered as symbols of prosperity.
Not only can black cats better your love life, but they can amp up your good luck and improve your finances, too. Historically, sailors brought cats aboard ships to hunt mice and, presumably, for companionship. However, British sailors believed a black cat would bring the ship good luck and ensure a safe return home.
It was a little more complicated for pirates, though. They believed a black cat walking toward you was terrible luck, a black cat walking away from you was good luck, and if a cat boarded the ship and then jumped off, the boat was going to sink.

Black cats can bring you luck!
In Japan, for example, single women who own black cats are believed to attract more suitors. In Great Britain’s English Midlands, a black cat is the ideal wedding gift; they’re considered to bring good luck and happiness to the bride.
Luckily for our feline friends, these bad superstitions have virtually vanished, and black cats are now a part of many families across the world. Unfortunately, many black cats are still mistreated and feared today, especially around Halloween, which is why we always caution owners of black cats to keep them safely indoors around that time of year.
Sources: thesprucePets. If you want to read more stories like this, follow us on our social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook), or visit our official website, wagwag.club.
Should I get a second pet?
Having a sweet dog or a cuddly cat is so wonderful that maybe you’ve been considering expanding your family even more. If you’re wondering if you should get a second pet, there are a few things you should consider before leaping. If you decide to welcome a new little life into your home, it’s essential to make the transition as low-stress as possible. Don’t expect them to be best friends immediately.
“The more dogs, the better” might be a fun rule in theory, but in reality, if your existing fur baby would be unhappy with a new dog at home, that might not be the best choice for you. According to experts, there are some signs to watch out for that can give you a good idea of whether your pup would be into the idea or not.
According to experts, here are some questions to ask when you’re deciding whether to get a second pet.

How social are they?
As noted by Dr Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian and advisory board member for Pup Life Today, if your pet enjoys interacting with other animals while out on walks, in the front yard, or at the veterinary hospital, there’s a reasonably good chance that adding another pet to your home won’t be too traumatic. However, even if they seem to love other pups, be careful about their feelings if you bring a new dog home. Make sure your ‘firstborn’s schedule stays as unchanged as possible when the new pet comes home, and be careful on the side of giving your current pet more attention than the new one.
Do they seem like they need a friend?
It’s pretty typical for your dog or cat to get excited to see you when you get home from work, but if your pet seems lonely pretty often, they might actually want some company during the day. For example, if they are always active and want to constantly play with you but don’t have enough human interaction to keep them entertained, they might benefit from a buddy, Ochoa says. The new addition will help with your pet’s activity level. Another way to test this is to watch how your dog acts when you take them to a dog park. Do they sprint off to eagerly interact with other dogs? If so, maybe their social needs aren’t being met at the moment.

How will your first pet respond?
We know you’re excited about bringing home a second pet, but how will your current pet feel about the new arrangement. We consider our pets as a member of our family. So, it is essential to consider how a new pet will affect your current quality of life. For example, does your dog enjoy the company of other dogs, or does he generally prefer to be alone? What are his interactions with other dogs like? It’s equally wise to consider how well your dog copes with change. He might already be comfortable with the way things are, and he might not appreciate his routine or sleeping/eating area being messed with. If you’re looking to adopt a puppy, ask yourself if your dog can handle the extra chaos.
How old are they?
If your dog or cat is getting older and has been your only pet for their whole life, it can sometimes be difficult to bring in a new pet. “Older pets sometimes become set in their ways, while youngsters are often more adaptable,” Coates says. But sometimes an old dog will surprise you and actually appreciate having a spry new companion, she says. “Many an older pet has seemingly gained a new lease on life when a younger pet is added to the household.”

Do they want your constant attention?
When you only have one pet, they probably get all of the belly rubs and snuggle sessions that they want during your free time at home. But welcoming in another dog means that your attention will suddenly be divided between the two of them. “Pets that jealously guard your time and attention may not be willing to share you with another, which can lead to spats (or worse),” Coates says. So pay attention to how clingy your current pet is. If they insist on following you everywhere like a shadow, they might not be ready to share with you. But if they’re OK with doing their own thing every once in a while, they might be open to a new pet at home.
Are they happy to share?
When people have a second human baby, the oldest child must suddenly learn how to share their toys, snacks, and space with another person. Similarly, getting another animal means that your fur baby will have to be a good sharer. If your pup does not mind sharing toys or food with other dogs, that’s a good sign that they’d do well with another pet in the house, Ochoa says. “When you have a play date, see how your pet does with other dogs playing with their toys or eating out of their food bowl,” she says. If they get upset or aggressive when another pet touches their belongings, they might not be ready to share with a new animal sibling.
Source: Bustle.com. If you want to read more stories like this, follow us on our social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook), or visit our official web site, wagwag.club.