Vzemi me vkushti Foundation

The upraising problem with stray animals (dogs and cats) in Bulgaria actually exists for long years, but in the last few decades escalated significantly and caused social tension that endangers to confront people to animals in particularly unacceptable way. The population of homeless dogs is generally a result of human neglect towards domestic animals - irresponsible breeding and abandonment. The lack of institutional and public control was one of the main reasons for the situation. The state and local authorities for many years have taken hesitant and inconsistent measures in governing the problem. In the past years (the early 2000s) some outrageous, inhuman initiatives of the local mun... read more The upraising problem with stray animals (dogs and cats) in Bulgaria actually exists for long years, but in the last few decades escalated significantly and caused social tension that endangers to confront people to animals in particularly unacceptable way. The population of homeless dogs is generally a result of human neglect towards domestic animals - irresponsible breeding and abandonment. The lack of institutional and public control was one of the main reasons for the situation. The state and local authorities for many years have taken hesitant and inconsistent measures in governing the problem. In the past years (the early 2000s) some outrageous, inhuman initiatives of the local municipal authorities led to mass slaughter of stray dogs. The "measures" have not demonstrated any stable results in solving the problem but caused huge negative response among both local and international animal friends community and media. Following the Bulgarian entry in the European Union and the enactment of the present Animal Protection Law in 2008, the "Trap-Neuter-Release" method that has proven to be both effective and humane in many countries, was applied and nowadays brings expected results at controlling stray dogs population growth. Alongside with this, local shelters (municipal and governed by NGOs) are overcrowded and for great number of already neutered and vaccinated dogs, the city streets are the only home available. Insecurity, malnutrition, health issues, human aggression and cruelty are the life-threatening companions of the homeless animals that rarely reach mature age. The mission of the "Vzemi me vkushti" (Take me Home) Foundation is the life improvement of homeless dogs and cats. To achieve this aim, the campaign works in two main directions: - To improve the attitudes towards the animals that live on the streets by convincing people that when treated with respect, these animals are safe for the society; - To find home for as many actual homeless dogs and cats as possible by bringing out the understanding that those are adorable potential pets - affectionate, intelligent and successfully domesticated. Supported by their friends and allies, the campaign team strives to change the attitudes towards the unwanted animals by bringing them out of anonymity and giving them a chance to find good and safe home. The campaign shows cats and dogs available for adoption with their pictures and detailed information about their temper, habits and actual health condition. The strict procedure for the adopters selection includes completed questionnaires, personal meetings with the candidates and final decision made together with the animal guardian (the person that provides temporary shelter and care, usually the one that saved it from the streets and that looks for lifelong home for it). "Vzemi me vkushti" Foundation, encouraged by the successful record of its adoption initiative, has ambitious plans for the promotion of the cause for responsible and caring treatment towards the animals - homeless and domestic. Vzemi me vkushti" Foundation seeks for donors and sponsors support for its projects - educational, informational, cultural, sports and entertainment initiatives that will spread the cause of animal welfare even more widely and will remind people the important role of the animals as loyal and loving friends. "Vzemi me vkushti" Foundation follows a policy of financial transparency in accordance with its "Foundations Act" and "Rules and Regulations of the charity activities". The Foundation cannot distribute profit. The accumulated financial reserve can be used solely for the activities, stated in the "Foundations Act".