Romanian veterinarian under judicial control for mass dog euthanasia

A veterinarian in Suceava County, Gheorghe Cătălin Țăran, was placed under judicial control for 60 days after prosecutors opened a case alleging intentional killing of dogs. The investigation covers the euthanasia of 662 dogs at the private shelter “Imperiul Cățeilor” between 21 December 2023 and 4 April 2026. Prosecutors say 513 dogs were euthanised for aggression, 54 for parvovirus, 34 for trauma, 21 for fractures, 17 for tumours, 11 for dermatitis, four for cardio‑respiratory arrest, and the remainder for various illnesses or age‑related reasons; five cases lacked a stated cause.

The shelter’s administrator was also placed under judicial control for 60 days after a prior 24‑hour detention, amid accusations of illegal killings. Authorities cite the relevant provisions of emergency ordinance no. 155/2001 and law no. 205/2004 that regulate euthanasia of stray dogs.