Romania Public Dog Shelters
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The Hidden Crisis Inside Romania's Public Dog Shelters - An undercover investigation for Four Paws International
Tracks Investigations conducted a nationwide undercover investigation into publicly funded dog shelters across Romania on behalf of Four Paws International.
The investigation combined undercover fieldwork with extensive research into public funding, procurement records, Freedom of Information requests and shelter data, providing a comprehensive assessment of Romania's public shelter system.
Investigators visited nine municipal shelters, documenting widespread neglect and serious animal welfare concerns.
Romania's Public Dog Shelter System
Romania has one of Europe's largest populations of free-roaming dogs. Thousands of animals are captured each year and taken to publicly funded municipal shelters, where local authorities are responsible for their care. Tracks Investigations was commissioned by Four Paws International to assess conditions within the shelter system and investigate how public funds were being used.
The investigation found:
Dogs living amongst faeces and unsanitary conditions.
Frozen or empty water bowls during sub-zero temperatures.
Dogs suffering from untreated wounds and illness.
Severe undernourishment.
Distress-driven behaviour, including dogs attacking one another.
Exceptionally high mortality rates, with one shelter recording a death rate of almost 40% in a single year.
The investigation highlighted systemic failings within Romania's public shelter system and formed the basis of Four Paws' call for the introduction of a humane nationwide Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (CNVR) programme.
The findings prompted widespread international media coverage after being distributed by the Associated Press. The investigation was featured by leading international news outlets including The Washington Post, The Independent and the Toronto Star, generating over 70 news reports across 17 countries. The worldwide coverage helped shine a spotlight on conditions inside Romania's public shelter system and supported calls for reform.
Tracks Investigations has undertaken over 300 investigative film projects supporting over 40 animal protection NGOs since its inception in 2006. Learn more about how you can work with us here. To support our investigative work for animals, click here.