May God help the Strays of Serbia!!!!!!

Sirs,

We are sure you are aware that tens of thousands of people worldwide have been informed about the brutal slaughter of stray animals in your country. It is not the animals' fault they were born in the first place, they are the innocent victims of human ignorance and indifference.  As it has been proven in so many countries, the only effective method of stray control is mass sterilisation, registration of owned animals and punishment of those who own dogs and cats, but allow them to breed unchecked.

 We repeat once more, stray animals exist only because people are irresponsible and indifferent - it's they who should be punished, NOT the innocent animals!

According to the article 269, paragraph 2, from the Criminal Code of Serbia, it states that 'anyone who uses cruelty towards animals or kills animals contrary to the Law of veterinary standards, must be punished for up to three years in prison'. 

 This law is not being implemented; in fact it is being totally ignored, even by the authorities.

We appeal to you to co-operate with animal welfare societies to find a humane solution to the (man made!) problem of strays. Bear in mind that Serbia is currently in the spotlight of scrutiny as it prepares to be accepted into the European Union.

Furthermore, we would like to address the Mayor of Nis, Mr Kostic, to say that his letter to all concerned animal lovers worldwide hardly appeased their (our) fears for the strays of Nis, but in fact caused further worries.  Even today, on the most sacred of days for Catholic people worldwide, there are countless people who, apart from celebrating with their loved ones, they turn on their computers, to find out the latest news about the proposed culling of thousands of strays, not only in Nis, but in all the major cities of Serbia.

 In hope to receive a positive reply to this letter.

Sincerely