Serbia and Croatia confront rising stray dog and pet abandonment problems

In the Serbian city of Kragujevac, the growing number of owned dogs has led to increased encounters with stray dogs and disputes over the use of public spaces. Local officials note that while many residents treat dogs as family members, incidents of dogs off‑leash or owners neglecting rules in parks and playgrounds have sparked concerns about safety and cleanliness. The city is working to balance the needs of pet owners with the protection of pedestrians, especially children, by designating specific zones for dogs and enforcing leash regulations.

In Croatia, animal‑rights group Friends of Animals reports that more than 10,000 dogs and cats are abandoned each year, a figure that spikes during the summer holidays when owners travel. The group’s ongoing campaign, featuring construction‑student Lana Lourdes Rupić, urges responsible pet ownership and highlights that abandonment is a criminal offense punishable by up to two years in prison. Both countries are emphasizing education, legal enforcement, and dedicated dog‑friendly areas to reduce stray populations and improve public safety.