# Animal welfare and cruelty incidents in the Balkans

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/animal-welfare-and-cruelty-incidents-in-the-balkans
> Updated: 2026-08-31T05:35:44.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Reports of animal welfare issues and cruelty have emerged across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, a mare and her foal were rescued from mud on the Kruzi plateau. In Croatia, police launched a criminal investigation into the killing of a young female dog in the Parag Roma settlement, an incident categorized under the suspected crime of ‘killing or torturing animals’. Local animal shelters have noted broader issues with uncontrolled breeding and untreated illnesses in the region.

In Montenegro, two separate incidents of violence against animals were reported. In Danilovgrad, a Japanese Akita was severely wounded by gunfire, while in Budva, a cat lost an eye due to an air rifle injury. Following these events, activists have called for stricter penalties and more effective investigations, arguing that current laws are insufficient if enforcement remains weak.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-31: Animal cruelty incidents reported in Danilovgrad and Budva

Two incidents of animal cruelty in Danilovgrad and Budva, Montenegro, have prompted calls for stricter law enforcement and investigations into the rising normalization of violence against animals.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-cruelty-incidents-reported-in-danilovgrad-and-budva

### 2026-08-31: Animal welfare incidents reported in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia

Recent animal welfare incidents include the successful rescue of a trapped mare and foal in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a police investigation into a dog's killing in Croatia's Parag settlement.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/animal-welfare-incidents-reported-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-and-croatia

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Cite as: Animal welfare and cruelty incidents in the Balkans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/animal-welfare-and-cruelty-incidents-in-the-balkans