Dog population management in the region remains a key priority for RAWC. Most countries in the Balkans have national legislation in place that regulates dog control, sets rules for keeping owned animals (including commercial breeding), and requires identification and responsible ownership. However, effectively addressing the stray dog population continues to be a challenge that demands a long-term, preventive approach focused on the sources of unwanted animals. That is why we organised another Training of Trainers (ToT) within our regional Dog Population Management (DPM) programme. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the City of Prizren and the local organisers for their excellent cooperation and warm hospitality. A special thank you goes to Jeton Muhaxhiri for his tireless efforts, coordination, and invaluable support in making this event possible. The training took place from 10th to 13th September 2024 in Prizren, Kosovo. As in previous editions, the programme was led by Elly Hibby, PhD, Independent Animal Welfare Consultant and Scientific Coordinator of the International Companion Animal Management (ICAM) Coalition.
The course combined theoretical lectures, practical workshops, and e-learning modules delivered through the TALEA online platform. Participants conducted daily street monitoring of dog populations and carried out public surveys on perceptions of the stray dog issue. A total of 17 participants attended from three countries: Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania. As always, we selected professionals with diverse yet complementary expertise, with the aim of further strengthening the regional network of DPM specialists.
With this latest training, RAWC has now educated more than 30 experts from seven countries across the region (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro). We plan to continue expanding this network in the coming years through additional trainings, experience-sharing activities, and joint projects. Once again, huge thanks to all participants, to our trainer Elly Hibby, to the City of Prizren, and especially to Jeton Muhaxhiri – without your dedication and support, this successful training would not have been possible!