In the mountains of northern Macedonia, stray dogs are threatening local wildlife and communities. Packs of feral dogs are competing for limited food supplies. But the story of how this came to be, and who is to blame, is more complicated than it initially seems.
A Problem for Local Endangered Species
Dime Melovski is a program coordinator for the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES). Recently, the society conducted field surveys revealing that stray dogs are spreading throughout the country. According to Meta.mk, Melovski says the dogs “pose danger for the hikers in the mountains, but they are also under constant stress and pose danger to other animals.”
Specifically, Melovski argues that wild dogs are affecting the local Balkan Lynx population, by competing for their food supply. According to Melovski, “only half of the young lynxes reach sexual maturity and this situation is worse if the female lynxes with cubs, that aren’t able to hunt, are left without food.”
Where Are the Dogs Coming From?
While it’s easy to blame the wild dogs for this issue, the truth is they’re actually the victims of faulty policies.
Due to underfunding, communal rescue shelters in Macedonia lack the resources to care for so many dogs. Left with no choice, many shelters release the overflow of dogs into the wild. Furthermore, a law that penalizes irresponsible pet parents pushes many to abandon their dogs rather than pay the fine.
Unfortunately, the problem only starts with abandoning dogs. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, many of the strays are hunting dogs with well-developed hunting instincts. Additionally, evidence suggests the strays are also cross-breeding with local wolf populations, exacerbating the issue.
What is the solution?
Fortunately, experts agree that a solution is feasible. By fixing the policy issues and regulating agreements with local shelters, these dogs can enter safe homes. Additionally, a large-scale spay/neuter program will stop the proliferation of already-feral dogs. Altogether, the goal is to not only help stray dogs but to protect local wildlife.
Voislav Dimitrovski, director of the Laika Animal Shelter, says the solution has to be “systematic and [sic] covered by a national program.”
