Croatia reports high biodiversity and calls for improved animal welfare

On World Animal Day, reports highlight both the rich biodiversity and the welfare challenges facing animals in Croatia. The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition noted that Croatia is among Europe's most biodiverse countries, hosting nearly 40,000 known species and subspecies. This includes 287 bird species, 96 fish species, and 60 mammal species, with approximately 3% being endemic. However, officials warned that habitat loss, pollution, invasive species, and climate change threaten many populations.

Regarding domestic animals, the association Prijatelji životinja reported that there are approximately 1.1 million dogs and cats in Croatia, based on 2024 FEDIAF estimates. The organization is calling for improved protection, more effective specialized inspections, and stricter penalties for animal cruelty. They also emphasized the need for local authorities to fund spaying and neutering programs and to enforce microchipping regulations to prevent abandonment.