The introduction of a fee for abandoned dogs in a locality near the Capital has sparked an intense debate online. While in Bucharest euthanasia is excluded, in many shelters in the country this practice continues. A recently submitted legislative project could change the current framework, but the final decision rests with Parliament.
The number of adoptions increased, but so did the number of dogs ending up in shelters PHOTO Daniel Guță
A new tax was voted by the local council in the commune of Corbeanca (Ilfov), where residents will pay an extra 25 lei for stray dogs.
According to the project, the collected funds will be used for:
– Capture, transport and temporary accommodation of dogs in authorized shelters;
– Their medical examination, vaccination, worming, sterilization and microchipping; – Carrying out campaigns to promote adoptions;
– Implementation of programs to inform and empower citizens regarding the obligation to sterilize and microchip dogs of common breed.
People's reactions
The decisions taken by the authorities of the Ilfov commune caused a wide reaction in the public space, dividing opinions between administrative necessity and unfair burden for citizens.
Some point ironically that local governments will end up putting “tax on the air”, believing that there is no need for extra money from citizens for animal management:“The public administration must manage both the money it has and the problems, not put a tax for each separate chapter: dogs, tree tax for marriage, for urban development, pollution, light bulbs.”
Others say they can't trust local governments that the money will be used for animal care: “I bought maidanez from the street after my dog died, I keep it in the yard, I buy pellets for some dogs that live in the area and that I still have enough. I would give 25 lei for shelters for dogs and for them to be taken care of, yes to be decent, which I don't trust to be done. Here they steal and cut from children and old people in need, ladies from some poor animals”.
Some pointed out that fines for abandonment should be increased instead. “And 1,000 euros seems a bit much to me for abandoning an animal”, says another Internet user, even advancing the sum of 5,000 euros, that solution for those who leave their animals in the street.
“If they impose such fines, people will prefer to kill them”says another internet user.
More adoptions, but also more dogs in shelters
Adoptions of stray dogs have increased in recent years in Bucharest, but so has the number of dogs that entered shelters.
“In 2024, ASPA received and registered 8,248 petitions, of which 4,735 were for the removal of dogs present on the public domain of the Municipality of Bucharest”. shows the latest report published by ASPA.
Regarding the sanctioning of those who abandon animals, in 2024, the Animal Protection police applied 19,057 contraventional sanctions, worth 10,229,020 lei. Also, 2,134 criminal files were drawn up, and a preventive measure was taken against 139 people (detention, arrest or judicial review).
Abandoned dogs, euthanized in several shelters in the country
The law does not prohibit euthanasia. In Bucharest, ASPA no longer euthanizes animals since 2017, on the other hand, in other cities in the country, some shelters continue to euthanize, because, according to the law, the term of keeping in the shelter is 14 working days.
“Unclaimed or unadopted dogs will be euthanized, based on a decision issued by a person empowered in this regard by the mayor, within the term established by this decision. The term will be established taking into account accommodation capacities and budget availability. This term can be modified for reasons”, provides article 7 of GEO 155/2001.
It is also indicated that “the decision to euthanize is issued for each individual dog, after it is ascertained that all the stages provided for by this emergency ordinance have been completed”.
Euthanasia ban, pending
Over the years, several projects have been submitted to the Parliament that provide for the change of the current legislation and the prohibition of euthanasia. the last such project was submitted in November 2025 by PNL deputy Andrei Baciu.
“The transition from the barbaric method still used today, euthanizing healthy dogs, to a modern, effective solution. We are talking about sterilization and microchipping”the parliamentarian sent in the context of the submission to the Legislature.
Another important aspect is the possibility for the police to enter private property without a warrant, in serious situations that endanger the lives of animals.
