Bashkia Shkodër Stray Dog Management Program
The second Bashkia shelter was completed in late April 2024. With the increased capacity, the staff of the Department of Agriculture has resumed removing dogs from the streets. The two priorities are (1) hotspots where there are many dogs and (2) specific locations with an aggressive dog. Generally, there are five ways a dog could be included in the program. You can read about them below.
Through Dog Capture Operations
During a dog capture operation, all dogs running free in the area are subject to be captured. The first step in processing the captured dogs is to take a profile picture for its record in our database.
For dogs that already have an ear tag (matrikull) which is a symbol that it was sterilized, a photo of the ear tag number will also be taken for documentation. If the dog does not require any medical attention, it is ready to be placed in the shelter wearing its existing ear tag.
For dogs without an ear tag, the dog’s ears and the relevant surgical areas would be examined. Sometimes, the dog’s ear tag could have fallen off or the dog could have been a sterilized pet that has been abandoned. If it is obvious that the dog was sterilized, a new ear tag will be given to symbolize its sterilization status and the ear tag number recorded. If the dog does not require any medical attention, it is ready to be placed in the shelter.
All unsterilized dogs will be prepared for sterilization surgery (if the dog is healthy enough for surgery). In addition to photos of their face and ear tag, these dogs will also have surgery photos in their records. All dogs will be given antibiotics and monitored after the operation. When the surgeon is satisfied with the dog’s healing, the dog can be placed with other dogs in the shelter.
Any additional surgeries the dog may need will usually be given during the sterilization surgery. This is to minimize the number of times the dog is put under anesthesia.
Through Animal Rescue Groups
The program also accepts dogs that are brought in by animal rescue groups. These may be street dogs that they have been feeding, or a newly rescued dog which was reported to them by local residents or tourists. These dogs are processed the same way but the animal group has the option to reclaim friendly dogs after sterilization and ear-tagging. If they choose to do that, they will be recorded as the party responsible for that dog.
Through Individual Feeders
The program also accepts dogs that are brought in by individual feeders. These are usually dogs that the individual has been feeding but are not his or her pet dog. These dogs are processed the same way but the feeder has the option to reclaim the friendly dog after sterilization and ear-tagging. If they choose to reclaim the dog, they will be recorded as the person responsible for that dog.
Through Reports Lodged with Municipality
When a dog bite or an aggressive dog is reported to the Municipality, the Agricultural Department is notified. A visit will be made to the reported location or home to remove the aggressive dog. After sterilization (if needed), different cases may have different outcomes.
The three main factors influencing the outcome are the risk to the public, the level of aggression of the dog, and whether or not someone is willing to take full responsibility for the dog. If a person is willing to take the responsibility of ownership, a photo of the release form and detailed notes will be added to the dog’s record for future reference.
Through Surrender by Feeder
Sometimes, it may be necessary for a feeder to surrender a dog to Bashkia. This may be due to the dog’s aggressive behavior or health condition such as injury or disease. Different dogs will require different actions, and the veterinarians will select the most appropriate action. In cases like this, we thank the feeder for thinking of the welfare of the dog and the safety of the public.