In one passage of the building in North Mitrovica a mural was painted psu Simi named after the famous character from the series "Happy People".
This Sima from Mitrovica was killed one night eight years ago. Shot with a firearm.
It's not the only mural in town. Unfortunately. Because other murals are also dedicated to martyred dogs. Many were poisoned.
Sima was a favorite. "A real city dog," Jelena Ilić, the president of the "Sapa" Association, tells us. Usually dogs are neighborhood dogs, because they stick to one territory - but everyone knew Sim.
In fact, if it weren't for Sima and his terrible death, there wouldn't be "Paw" either. As Ilić tells, when the dog was killed, at the invitation of the veterinarian, people gathered in the streets, recognized each other as animal lovers and founded an association.
Photo: Milica SrejićStray dogs in North Mitrovica
A simple but difficult mission
There is a huge problem with abandoned dogs in North Mitrovica. Ilić says that there are currently around four hundred of them.
That problem is not dealt with by anyone except the "Shapa" association. They work as volunteers, while citizens donate as much money as they can and want.
They thought that the number of stray dogs would be reduced to about thirty, but alas, today there are so many of them in a pack only around the main bridge on the Ibar.
"Our mission is very simple," Ilić tells Medjuvreme, "to reduce the number of abandoned animals in the most humane way, through sterilization, castration and adoption. Yes, over time, we will reach zero."
"We don't want living things to live such a hard life, thrown out, hungry and sick," she says.
Photo: Milica SrejićKosovska Mitrovica
Poisoners and the "war" on dogs
However, the work of "Shapa" is hampered by mass poisoning and forced migration. "People unknown to us brought a certain number of dogs to the territory of North Mitrovica by vehicle. We were informed about this by the citizens because it usually happens late at night or early in the morning," says Ilić.
No one here will claim it for the media, but there are rumors everywhere... the dogs are brought by Albanians from South Mitrovica. But vice versa, Serbs from the North extradite rejected dogs to the South. So these innocent creatures are also victims of inter-ethnic friction, they are played with heartless ping-pong.
"Since the dog follows the man and goes after food, then the thrown dogs migrate towards the city," Ilić continues. They reported to the police many times, spent hours in the station. "We never got an answer."
That is why they recently sent a request to the North Mitrovica Municipality Assembly. "We want to explain what the cause is," says Ilić.
Angry neighbors
But not all fellow citizens are enthusiastic, some even insult them. "They think we want abandoned dogs to live en masse in the city. We have also experienced threats. Actually, we don't want this number of abandoned dogs, but I can't help but feed the dog in front of my building," Ilić points out.
Of course, strays know how to be dangerous for people, and people are nervous anyway, in everyday stress. Ilić understands angry neighbors. "They can't get to work on time, sometimes the kids aren't allowed to go to school because someone forcibly brought new dogs the night before."
"Then those dogs are in conflict with native dogs and it looks creepy. Everyone is scared until the situation stabilizes," he adds.
Photo: Milica SrejićA stray dog in North Mitrovica
The solutions are known.
You don't need a magic wand for the solution, there are recipes, but you need will and work. First, that the municipal authorities check that the owners chip the animals.
Second, to systematically implement the so-called CNVR method - catch, sterilize, vaccinate, release the dog in the area where it was found.
But it would be good if there were shelters, says Ilić, where the dogs could first recover a bit. And where - sterilized, accustomed to people, combed and beautiful, they might wait for someone to adopt them. Instead of waiting for poison or a bullet, like Sima.
Real journalism costs money, and we will not be bought by tycoons and corporations. Support us with a one-time or monthly donation. The time for it is now!
