Parliament in Romania Votes in Favor of Removing Stray Dogs from the Streets

Romanian Lawmakers in Parliament yesterday (November 22) voted to make it legal to euthanize tens of thousands of stray dogs that roam the country’s streets, after spending 30 days in animal shelters. It is estimated that the strays in Bucharest alone exceed 50,000.

Parliament voted by 168-111 to pass the controversial law which needs to be signed into law by President Traian Basescu. He is expected to sign the bill into law.

COMMENT: Pressure to end strays running freely arose after a Romanian woman was killed earlier this year after she was mauled by a pack of strays. In 2006, a Japanese tourist was also killed by a stray dog.