OIPA ETS, with the support of its Campaign Ambassador in Croatia, has formally addressed the competent Croatian authorities and relevant European stakeholders to express serious concern over a series of recent animal welfare cases reported in the Republic of Croatia.
Over the past weeks, OIPA has received several reports, together with official documentation, photographic evidence and media coverage, concerning incidents that have raised significant public concern in Croatia and attracted the attention of the international animal welfare community.
The communication refers in particular to three cases. In Bale, Istria, a 21-year-old resident was reportedly arrested in connection with the alleged prolonged starvation and death of two German Shepherd dogs, including one named Sky. According to the information received, local residents had raised concerns before the animals died, raising questions about the effectiveness of preventive intervention mechanisms.
In Dvor na Uni, Croatian investigative media reported the discovery of severely neglected animals, including malnourished dogs and animal carcasses, on a property allegedly operating as an animal shelter. The case has raised concerns regarding the response to previous complaints and the effectiveness of inspection procedures.
In Split, OIPA received documentation concerning the handling and transport of thirteen cats during an eviction procedure. According to the material received, the animals were transported together in a single cage during their transfer to a shelter, raising concerns regarding animal welfare standards and the procedures applied in such cases.
While the circumstances of each case differ, their seriousness and recurrence raise broader concerns regarding the effectiveness of preventive inspections, institutional coordination and the enforcement of existing animal welfare legislation.
Through its institutional communication, OIPA has requested clarification from the competent Croatian authorities regarding the current status of the investigations, the actions undertaken following previous reports submitted by citizens, and the measures being implemented to strengthen preventive controls, inspection procedures and enforcement mechanisms. OIPA has also called for initiatives capable of reinforcing public confidence in the institutions responsible for animal welfare protection.
OIPA fully respects the independence of Croatian judicial and administrative authorities and does not intend to interfere with ongoing proceedings. However, the organisation stresses that the protection of animals requires not only appropriate legislation, but also its timely, consistent and transparent implementation.
The institutional communication has been sent to the relevant Croatian authorities, including the State Inspectorate, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation, the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Judiciary Committee of the Croatian Parliament. It has also been shared, for information, with the Delegation of the European Union to Croatia, Croatian Members of the European Parliament and Eurogroup for Animals.
As a Member State of the European Union, Croatia is expected to uphold high standards of animal welfare and to ensure that serious allegations of animal cruelty are examined thoroughly and without delay. OIPA trusts that the competent authorities will treat these reported cases with the utmost seriousness and take all necessary measures to ensure transparency, accountability and the effective enforcement of animal welfare legislation.
Animal welfare is a shared European and international responsibility. Where repeated concerns arise, institutions must respond clearly and decisively to protect animals, restore public confidence and prevent further suffering.
The full letter and supporting documentation are available here
