Life at the sheepfold is difficult for shepherds, and even more difficult for the shepherd dogs. The beatings, deprivation and harsh weather conditions are hidden behind the freedom offered by the alpine meadows. Pre-destined to a life of torment, without vaccines and veterinary care, the shepherd dogs must prove their utility while suffering hunger or thirst, heat or cold and even disease. They are seen by their owners, only as tools that “manage ” the sheep. This inhumane attitude is striking particularly in old age, when – overwhelmed by the requirements of “the job”, shepherd dogs are “disposed of”. Considering that they no longer deserve a bowl with polenta and whey, the shepherds are driving them out, beat them and leave them to die.
The most recent case was discovered near Rasnov, on the road linking Brasov to the largest community of shepherds in the county, located in Bran. A sheepdog lying lifeless in a ditch, drew the attention of the passers by. After a phone call, an AMP team raised the dog and urgently transported him to the Victory dog shelter in Triaj. Veterinarians remained dismayed by the wounds that the animal suffered. „Probably he got hit with a stick, because the front legs were shattered and one of its hind legs was broken at the femur. In the head, right in the middle, he had a wound from a blow of an axe – nothing else could provoke such a wound”, says Florian Debu, AMP volunteer veterinarian.
The dog was 12 years old – a considerable age for Romanian shepherds. Rather than offering him food and shelter as a retirement, the shepherd made sure that his poor servant won’t get to live for too long. „He was alive and wanted to live. Following the consultation I decided that there is no chance to offer him a normal life”, said Debu, who sadly had to euthanise the old animal.
AMP is engaged in education activities in schools aiming to teach children animal welfare. We do hope that in the future, the effects of the education will be understood even by shepherds.
