SOS Dogs was established in 2003 when the Noah's Ark foundation from Oradea approached Robert Smith, the director of the FPCC foundation, with the hope of addressing the stray dog problem in the city through a humane solution. The initiative was founded on the principle of managing urban stray animals in a civilized manner that meets European standards.

History and Development

When SOS Dogs was founded in 2003, Oradea and its surroundings were overrun by stray dogs searching for food and by the carcasses of dead animals. In the early years, animal welfare organizations such as the British Dog Trust, Battersea Dogs Home, and the American North Shore Animal League provided essential support. In January 2008, with the enforcement of the Animal Protection Law No. 205, the euthanasia of healthy animals was banned. This legislative change turned Oradea into a model for the whole of Romania, as the humane methods successfully curbed the reproduction of stray dogs.

Mission and Methods

The mission of SOS Dogs is to manage the stray dog population on the streets of Oradea by adhering to European standards and the recommendations set out in the “Guidelines for Dog Population Management” adopted by the WHO in Geneva in 1990. Research by experts and veterinarians has demonstrated that the only effective solution is the sterilization of dogs and their return to their original environments—except in cases of aggressive, incurably ill animals and dogs younger than six months. Additionally, the animals are available for adoption if the new owner commits to their ongoing care.

Current Situation and Support

Today, the FPCC serves as the primary financial supporter of the initiative, and every donation is crucial to continuing our work. Thanks to these concerted efforts, the original problems—such as animal carcasses and a high number of stray dogs—have largely been eliminated from Oradea.