Bucharest could have special Police unit dedicated to animal protection by end-2017

Bucharest City Council (CGMB) is to vote the city's animal protection strategy on Thursday, under which a special unit called Animal Police could also be set up by the end of this year, reports local Mediafax. “Bucharest Local Police (PLMB) is in charge of finding contraventions and imposing sanctions for non-compliance with animal legislation. Therefore, by the end of the year, an animal division will be set up within the PLMB, under the name Animal Police,” reads the Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals in Bucharest. The document also provides rearranging of dog shelters and transforming them into adoption centers as well as the development of online adoption platforms where those interested can find detailed information about the animals available for adoption in these centers. Moreover, according to the project, Vacaresti Natural Park could also host an animal farm, which would be used as a research center for animal behavior where outdoor school seminars could be organized. The strategy also includes the establishment of the Municipal Emergency and Resuscitation Veterinary Service (SMURV), which would have five mobile clinics and would be able to intervene and save animals in Bucharest and Ilfov county. Also, the authorities will consider setting up an animal cemetery and a crematorium. Bucharest City Hall may ban the use of animals in circuses and exhibitions No more acrobatic performances at Constanta Dolphinarium Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com