Croatia animal welfare groups expose mass pet deaths in Dvor and abuse in Nadinu

Friends of Animals (Prijatelji životinja) filed a new complaint against the municipality of Dvor after dozens of dead and starving dogs and cats were discovered in a facility linked to the animal protection sector. The organisation says it warned local authorities repeatedly since 2020 about the growing number of abandoned animals, but received no response from the veterinary inspectorate or the municipality, which allegedly failed to fund proper shelter care.

In the nearby village of Nadinu, neighbours allege that a local resident, Dinko Ožaković, keeps around 20 dogs in dark, filthy enclosures, feeding them with cattle intestines and neglecting basic hygiene. Reports of the conditions date back to 2020, and despite multiple complaints to the police and veterinary inspection, no corrective action was taken. Police have now opened a criminal investigation and the State Inspectorate’s veterinary department, together with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and local authorities, continue an inspection procedure.

Both incidents highlight systemic shortcomings in the enforcement of Croatia’s animal protection laws and have prompted calls for stricter oversight and reforms.