Heat Wave Hits Montenegro and Raises Concerns Over Abandoned Animals

The heat wave sweeping across Western Europe has reached the Balkans, creating concern for animal welfare activists in Montenegro regarding the long-standing issue of abandoned animals. Several horses were found wandering without supervision near the outskirts of Podgorica, the capital city, lacking shelter, water, and food. Temperatures soared to almost 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit), prompting activists to voice fears for their health.

This is just 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the city center, said animal protection activist Marta Darmanovic. It’s not in the middle of nowhere.

Across Europe, extreme heat has shattered temperature records, overwhelmed hospitals, and left people struggling to stay cool. In France, this week’s temperatures surpassed those of the historic 2003 heat wave, responsible for 15,000 deaths, many of them elderly. Hungary broke a national heat record dating back to 2007 when temperatures hit 42°C (107.6°F), according to preliminary figures from the National Meteorological Service.

In Montenegro’s capital, the open area where the horses gathered lies near an illegal dump and several makeshift settlements. It was unclear how the animals got there or if they had owners. Darmanovic criticized the lack of a large animal shelter. Montenegro has effectively legalized animal maltreatment by not providing even basic necessary infrastructure to enforce regulations, she stated.

The Adriatic nation with a population of 620,000 aims to join the European Union by 2028. EU candidate countries must have regulations on animal welfare to be eligible. Branko Kovacevic, head of Podgorica’s Municipal Inspection Administration, noted the city has established shelters for dogs and cats. Efforts are underway to address large animal issues within existing regulations.

Horses and some other abandoned domestic animals keep appearing, Kovacevic explained. We will address the problem as the law allows. He noted the difficulty in finding someone responsible for feeding or watering the animals.

Though Montenegro and the Balkans are more accustomed to summer heat than countries like Britain or France, authorities advise people to stay indoors and drink plenty of water. Temperatures in the region are expected to drop later this week.

In Eastern Croatia’s city of Osijek, zoo animals were served ice cream made from fruit and meat. A zoo employee told HRT that monkeys were choosing to rest indoors. They enjoy cold watermelon, melons, and grapes, said employee Zeljko Busljeta. They also get lemonade and cold tea.

This story was translated from English with assistance from a generative AI tool managed by AP.