- PRBC Delegation Visits Save the Dogs Centre in Cernavodă to Study Humane Stray Animal Management, Veterinary Care and Sustainable Community Solutions
CERNAVODĂ, ROMANIA: A delegation of the Pakistan-Romania Business Council (PRBC), representing Karachi, visited Urme de Bucurie (Footprints of Joy) in Cernavodă, Constanța County, the flagship centre of excellence operated by Save the Dogs and Other Animals, one of Romania’s leading animal protection organizations.
The delegation was led by Mr. Atif Farooqi, Honorary Consul Designate of Romania in Sindh, Pakistan, and Advisor and Chief Operating Officer of PRBC. The delegation was warmly received by Ms. Adriana Susmă, Director General of Save the Dogs and Other Animals, who briefed the Pakistani representatives on the organization’s extensive work in animal rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, sterilization, adoption and humane management of stray animal populations.
The visit provided an important opportunity for the Pakistani delegation to learn from Romania’s experience in addressing challenges related to stray animals and to explore how successful Romanian practices could potentially be adapted to the needs of Karachi and other urban communities across Sindh. Over the past two decades, Romania has made significant progress in developing more responsible and humane approaches to animal welfare. Having historically faced major challenges involving stray dogs, abandonment, uncontrolled breeding and limited animal protection infrastructure, the country has increasingly adopted solutions centred on sterilization, vaccination, microchipping, veterinary treatment, responsible adoption, public awareness and cooperation between government institutions and civil society.
While challenges remain, organizations such as Save the Dogs have demonstrated that sustained investment in prevention, veterinary infrastructure, education and humane population management can produce meaningful and lasting results.
Save the Dogs: From Local Initiative to International Model
Founded by Italian animal welfare activist Sara Turetta, Save the Dogs began its work in Cernavodă in 2002, promoting humane alternatives to the killing of stray animals.
Over more than two decades, the organization has assisted thousands of abandoned, neglected and abused animals while developing an integrated animal welfare model combining rescue, sterilization, veterinary services, rehabilitation, adoption and community education.
The Urme de Bucurie centre features modern veterinary facilities, dedicated shelters for dogs and cats, as well as specialized accommodation for rescued horses and donkeys. It also operates adoption and volunteering programmes designed to provide animals with rehabilitation, care and opportunities for permanent homes.
The centre has emerged as an important example of how cooperation among animal welfare professionals, volunteers, local communities and international supporters can contribute to sustainable and humane solutions.
Romanian Expertise Could Support Karachi and Sindh
During the visit, discussions focused on the potential sharing and adaptation of Romanian expertise in several areas, including humane stray animal population management, large-scale sterilization and vaccination programmes, veterinary infrastructure, responsible adoption, animal identification and public awareness.
The PRBC delegation expressed particular interest in examining how lessons from Cernavodă could contribute to addressing similar challenges in Karachi and other rapidly growing urban centres in Sindh.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of approaching animal welfare as part of a broader framework encompassing public health, community safety, responsible urban management and social responsibility.
Romanian Ambassador Supports Greater Knowledge-Sharing
Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan H.E. Dr. Dan Stoenescu welcomed the initiative and emphasized the value of sharing Romania’s experience with Pakistani partners.
“A country should also be judged by the way it treats its animals. Romania has learned important lessons from its own difficult experience with stray animal populations, and organizations such as Save the Dogs demonstrate how compassion, professionalism and long-term commitment can produce remarkable results.”
The Ambassador said Romania was interested in sharing successful practices with Pakistani partners and encouraging their adaptation to local circumstances.
“Animal welfare is not only about protecting animals. It is also about public health, community safety, responsible governance and the values we pass on to future generations,” he said.
Dr. Stoenescu expressed hope that the visit would lead to practical cooperation between Romanian and Pakistani institutions and organizations.
“I hope this visit will mark the beginning of practical cooperation between Romanian and Pakistani institutions and organizations, turning lessons learned in Cernavodă into tangible improvements in Pakistan. Diplomacy is not only about politics and trade. It is also about sharing solutions that make our societies better,” the Ambassador added.
Expanding the Scope of Romania-Pakistan Cooperation
The visit formed part of the PRBC delegation’s broader programme in Romania, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and identifying new avenues of cooperation across diverse sectors.
Facilitated through the engagement of the Embassy of Romania in Islamabad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania, the initiative demonstrated the potential to expand Romania-Pakistan cooperation beyond conventional trade and investment to include social responsibility, community development, veterinary services and animal welfare.
The initiative also underscored the potential role of Romanian civil society organizations in sharing expertise and successful practices with international partners, particularly in areas where the two countries face comparable urban and social challenges.
The PRBC delegation expressed its appreciation to Ms. Adriana Susmă and the entire Save the Dogs team for their hospitality, professionalism and longstanding commitment to animal protection.
The visit concluded with a shared interest in developing further contacts among Romanian and Pakistani organizations, including local authorities, veterinary professionals, animal welfare organizations and community stakeholders.
Such cooperation could help contribute to the development of humane, sustainable and effective animal welfare strategies in Sindh, while strengthening people-to-people and institutional ties between Romania and Pakistan.
The initiative reflects a broader principle: the way societies treat animals is an important reflection of their values. By sharing knowledge, expertise and practical solutions, Romania and Pakistan can deepen their partnership while working together to build more compassionate, responsible and safer communities.
BY: The Times Union
