Region: Romania

First-ever round table event at the Parliament Palace on humane stray dog population management

Humane Society International / Europe

Street dog puppies
Ioana Cristiana

BUCHAREST, Romania—Humane Society International/Europe and the Ilfov County Council’s Animal Protection Department hosted a groundbreaking debate titled “Efficiently and Humanely: How to Properly Manage Animal-Human Issues” at the Palace of Parliament. This first-of-its-kind event in Romania brought together over 80 participants, including mayors, county council presidents from 24 municipalities and 10 counties, as well as parliamentarians committed to finding humane, sustainable animal welfare solutions.

The debate marks an important milestone in HSI/Europe’s broader initiative to support local authorities in implementing compassionate and effective dog population management strategies. While figures are rough (without any official count), across Romania, it is estimated that there are between 500,000 and 1,000,000 stray dogs on the streets. Many suffer from malnutrition, disease, while others, housed in shelters, are sadly euthanized if unclaimed.

In 2024, HSI/Europe launched a strategic partnership with the Ilfov County Council’s Animal Protection Department, recognizing the agency’s innovative, holistic approach to animal welfare and dog management. This collaboration began in September with a comprehensive program offering free veterinary services—including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, de-worming, and first aid—for dogs and cats in Ilfov County. These services, delivered by HSI/Europe through collaboration with veterinary teams, such as WAVE and Nomad Vet, target areas with significant animal welfare challenges, such as disadvantaged communities, industrial zones, and former military sites.

Data-Driven, Humane Approaches

During the event, HSI was represented by Dr. Amit Chaudhari, director of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Impact Analysis, Humane Society International/India; Kerry Zaleski, director of Companion Animals and Engagement, HSI; and Andreea Roseti, country director for HSI/Europe in Romania.

“There is no true animal welfare without compassion for people,” said  Roseti. “Stray animals often originate from someone’s backyard, reflecting a failure in responsibility and resources. Humane solutions require tailored interventions, informed by ongoing data and analysis. Together with the Ilfov County Council team and our colleagues from North America, we’ve been collecting data to design and implement the most effective pet management programs possible.”

Dr. Chaudhari also shared insights from a pilot census conducted in 14 localities in Ilfov County, underscoring the importance of data-driven, long-term planning to address stray dog populations effectively.

Empowering Local Authorities

The Ilfov County Council’s Animal Protection Department showcased its ongoing dog welfare projects and provided participants with practical tools for implementation. Attendees received resources, including templates and legal frameworks, enabling other municipalities to adopt similar models.

“The issue of stray animals is as much about people as it is about animals,” said Hilde Tudora, Director of Animal Protection at Ilfov County Council. “While laws allow us to fund sterilization for owned dogs, the larger issue lies with stray animals. Through partnerships with NGOs, we’ve developed solutions that go beyond what legislation permits. At the event, we distributed USB drives with detailed documentation to make it easier for other authorities to replicate our programs and adapt them to their regions.”

A Path Forward

The roundtable highlighted the critical role of collaboration and innovative thinking in improving living conditions for both people and animals. With the active engagement of local authorities and the support of organizations like HSI/Europe, Romania is taking significant steps toward a more compassionate approach to animal welfare.

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Media Contact: Raluca Simion: commsromania@hsi.org

Humane Society International/Europe hails groundbreaking decision for animal protection in Romania

Humane Society International / Europe

HSI

BUCHAREST/BRUSSELS—Humane Society International/Europe is celebrating a monumental victory for animal protection in Romania today, as the Romanian Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to ban chinchilla and mink fur farming, the only two fur farm industries that exist in the country. This groundbreaking decision is the result of nearly two years of political debates and sustained campaigning by HSI/Europe’s Romania office and fellow animal groups. Romania now becomes the 22nd country in Europe and 16th EU Member State to ban fur farming, marking a significant milestone in HSI’s global campaign to end the cruel practice of breeding and killing animals for fur fashion.

Ruud Tombrock, executive director for HSI/Europe, said: “Today’s decision to ban fur farming is not only a landmark moment for animal protection in Romania, but also a pivotal step in the broader European effort to end one of the cruelest forms of exploitation of animals. As public concern for animal welfare grows across Europe, demonstrated by the overwhelming success of the Fur Free Europe ECI, it is clear that fur farming has no place in a compassionate and ethical society and the only way to move forward is by adopting an EU-wide ban on production of fur.”

The bill was originally proposed after HSI/Europe conducted a shocking undercover investigation exposing appalling conditions on fur farms in Romania. Chinchillas were filmed confined in small, filthy wire cages, only to be killed for fur fashion at just a few months old in improvised gas chambers or by having their necks broken. Now that the bill has been voted through in the Chamber of Deputies, once promulgated it will make fur farming illegal in Romania effective 1st of January 2027. Although the legislation must be promulgated by President Klaus Iohannis and published in the Official Journal to become effective, this is anticipated to pass without delay.

According to a nationwide survey commissioned by HSI/Europe, over 67% of Romanians support a fur farming ban, further emphasizing public sentiment against the fur industry. In addition, HSI/Europe’s campaign in Romania gathered more than 74,000 petition signatures in favor of ending fur farming, which HSI/Europe submitted to the Romanian Parliament.

The fur industry in Romania is in decline, with the number of fur farms having dropped dramatically from more than 150 in 2013 to around a dozen in 2022 including two large mink farms producing approximately 100,000 mink pelts and 15,000 chinchilla pelts annually. The ban in Romania also tackles the environmental and human health hazards linked to fur farming, including the spread of zoonotic diseases, positioning Romania within the broader European movement that emphasizes animal welfare and sustainable practices.

Fur facts:

  • Tens of millions of animals suffer and die each year in the global fur trade, the majority reared in barren battery cages on fur farms.
  • Fur farming has now been banned in 22 European countries—the 16 Member States of Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia plus Bosnia and Herzegovina, Guernsey, Norway, United Kingdom, North Macedonia and Serbia. In addition, Switzerland and Germany have implemented strict regulations which have effectively ended fur farming and Denmark, Sweden and Hungary have imposed measures that have ended the farming of certain species. Political discussion of a ban is underway in Bulgaria and Sweden.
  • Mink on almost 500 fur farms across 13 countries in Europe and North America have been found to be infected with COVID-19, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) has been found on 72 fur farms (one in Spain, 71 in Finland) to date. Millions of mink, arctic fox, red fox, raccoon dogs and sable have been slaughtered on public health grounds.
  • Ten fashion brands in Romania have pledged to go fur-free after working with Humane Society International/Europe, and have become the first designers in Romania to join the global Fur Free Retailer Ioana Ciolacu, Muse um Concept, REDU, OCTAVIA CHIRU, Katerini, Hooldra, Feeric Fashion Week, Scapadona, Axente and Lenca join the almost 1,600 fashion brands, retailers and designers in 25 countries around the world that are part of the Fur Free Retailer program, including Gucci, Moncler, Prada, Adidas, H&M and Zara.

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View images/video are available here. To download these visuals, please contact commsromania@hsi.org

Media contact: Yavor Gechev: +359889468098; ygechev@hsi.org

Ilfov Country Council and Humane Society International/Europe launch program to care for street dogs and cats, empower local authorities and increase responsible pet ownership

Humane Society International / Europe

HSI

BUCHAREST, Romania—Together with the animal protection organization Humane Society International/Europe, the Ilfov County Council, kicked off a community-wide program to deliver free veterinary care to street dogs and cats. Teams of veterinarians will provide services such as spay and neuter, vaccination, microchipping, deworming treatments and first aid, to better protect people and animals. The initiative, running through 2025, is part of a broader effort to support local authorities in adopting humane population control strategies while promoting public education on animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. Roundtable discussions will also be held to support local and county authorities in creating strategic humane management plans for the region’s street animals.

Hundreds of street dogs and cats are likely to benefit from this initiative, contributing to a safer and healthier environment for both people and animals. The program will focus on high-priority areas, ranging from public institutions, former military bases, company headquarters, courtyards and disadvantaged and neglected areas within Ilfov County.

Hubert Thuma, president of Ilfov County Council, said: “I am not ashamed to say to Humane Society International/Europe: teach us, help us, work with us! At the same time, it makes me sad because I realize that after years and years, we as a country have not been able to care for street dogs and cats at the level they deserve. In 2013, we voted against the law on mass killing of animals. I explained then that mass sterilization, information and education were the solutions. Later, in 2020, when I became county council chairman, lo and behold, I was able to demonstrate that humane and effective methods exist. I thank HSI/Europe for the partnership for good that we have started together!”

HSI/Europe’s Compassion for Companions program has been supporting projects dedicated to helping pets in disadvantaged communities in Romania since 2022. Through local partner organizations,  HSI facilitates access to veterinary care and assistance in communities where these services are non-existent or too expensive. More than 2,000 dogs and cats from shelters, from the streets or whose owners cannot afford the costs of veterinary care have been helped so far in several areas of Romania.

Andreea Rosetti, Romania country director at HSI/Europe says: ” We have launched the Compassion for Companions program in Romania because the animals here need as much support as possible. I have personally witnessed the desperate need for street animals to receive help and the veterinary medical care makes the difference between life and death. I also understand the struggle of those who care for the animals in a community who cannot take the burden of so many new puppies on the street. And this is where we help. We have started this collaboration with Ilfov County Council because Ilfov has already shown that they have an effective vision that puts the lives of all beings first.”

Dr. Katherine Polak, vice president of companion animal welfare and engagement at Humane Society International adds: “Humane Society International/Europe is ready to assist authorities in the humane management of stray dog and cat populations, drawing on data, rigorous research, and expertise in the field. HSI has a specialized Monitoring, Evaluation, Impact, and Assessment team that works globally to assist governments in identifying the best ways to manage free-roaming animal populations. We will help Ilfov authorities make informed and humane decisions for the benefit of the animals, as well as the community.”

HSI has successfully led animal population management programs all over the world to address companion animal welfare issues at a local or national level. Over the years, HSI’s MEIA team has provided support to local animal welfare organizations and governments with high-tech accuracy by developing mobile applications tailored to gather and track data for spay/neuter, catch-neuter-vaccinate-return of dogs and mass vaccination programs.

Download pictures of Romanian street dogs and cats receiving veterinary care through the Compassion for Companion program.

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Media contacts:

  • Andreea Roseti; aroseti@hsi.org
  • Hilde Tudora, Director of Animal Protection Ilfov; 0768.78.41.2

Humane Society International

Some major fast-food companies address chicken welfare, with many to continue efforts, according to report

Humane Society International / Europe

We Animals

BRUSSELS—The first-ever evaluation of chicken welfare among 16 fast-food brands in Poland and Romania reveals that the fast-food industry in Eastern Europe is taking its first steps towards increasing the welfare of chickens used for meat. The 2023 Pecking Order reports for Poland and Romania, which were conducted by Humane Society International/Europe, evaluate prominent fast-food companies such as McDonald’s, Burger King and Subway as well as local chains including Romanian 5 to go and Polish Zahir Kebab concerning their time-bound commitments and performance-reporting on broiler chicken welfare in their supply chains. The assessment centers on indicators such as the living space allocated for each chicken, the chicken breeds employed, the use of cages, the provision of enrichments for natural behavior display, and the methods used for their slaughter. 

Poland and Romania are among the most important players in Europe’s broiler chicken industry, supplying both domestic and international markets with chicken meat products. In 2021, Poland was the largest EU producer with about 1.12 billion chickens raised and killed, whereas Romania ranked 8th with 271.7 million chickens.   

The assessments included 12 fast-food brands for each country. In both Poland and Romania, it covered Burger King, Domino’s, IKEA, KFC, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Subway. In Poland, Pasibus, Salad Story, Vapiano and Zehir Kebab were also reviewed, while in Romania the evaluation included 5 to go, PAUL, Salad Box and Spartan. The Pecking Order report’s overall results highlight that while some companies have taken steps and published their commitments to improve broiler chicken welfare, most have yet to start. Many international fast-food chains rely on their parent companies’ chicken welfare policies without declaring them on their local websites, while national fast-food chains have not introduced these welfare policies at all. 

In both countries, Subway emerges as the leader among the assessed companies with an overall score of 57% on managing and reporting on broiler chicken welfare. In Poland, Subway is followed by IKEA with 50% and Pizza Hut and Vapiano with 47%. McDonald’s and KFC received low scores of 11% and 2%, respectively, while Burger King, Domino’s, Pasibus, Salad Story, Starbucks and Zahir Kebab scored 0%. In Romania, Subway is followed by IKEA, PAUL and Pizza Hut with a score of 47%. On the flip side, KFC, 5 to go, Burger King, Domino’s, McDonald’s, Salad Box, Spartan and Starbucks received very low scores, between 2% and 0%. In Poland, as well as in Romania, Subway is the only chain that received a non-zero score in performance reporting. 

Elise Allart, corporate engagement director for HSI/Europe, says: “The vast number of animal lives impacted by the chicken industry demands that it actively champion higher standards of animal welfare. The Pecking Order doesn’t just assess the status quo; it provides actionable solutions. It’s a powerful tool for fast-food companies seeking to enhance chicken welfare and adhere to the European Chicken Commitment. We invite collaboration and prompt action to improve animal welfare in supply chains, making businesses future-proof in line with increasing consumer demands and forthcoming legislation.” 

Find photos and infographics in English, Polish and Romanian.

Facts on The Pecking Order

  • The 2023 edition of The Pecking Order is a project by World Animal Protection, together with Humane Society International, the Albert Schweitzer Stiftung, L214 and Essere Animali. A total of 69 companies were assessed covering the markets of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, and Spain. 
  • The Pecking Order is an initiative dedicated to assessing broiler chicken welfare in the fast-food industry, by evaluating the companies’ commitment to address chicken welfare throughout their supply chains, the measures they take and how they implement the requirements recommended in the European Chicken Commitment (ECC). The Pecking Order has been assessing fast-food brands since 2019. In 2023, six European markets were assessed, and Poland and Romania were included for the first time. The report offers a general presentation of the broiler chicken welfare situation in the Polish and Romanian fast-food industry and describes opportunities for improvement. 
  • Chicken welfare management across countries varies. The German and French fast-food companies have the highest average overall scores of the assessed countries, demonstrating more commitments and implementation. Polish and Romanian chains have the lowest scores, indicating that there is substantial progress needed within the countries’ fast-food industries concerning chicken welfare. 

  • Some fast-food chains are doing better than others in publishing their commitments and targets for chicken welfare. For Poland, IKEA stands out with a score of 100%, demonstrating a firm commitment to chicken welfare. The data also reveals that Subway, Pizza Hut and Vapiano have acknowledged the need to improve chicken welfare, each scoring a high 94%, positioning them as leaders in this aspect. On the opposite end of the spectrum, McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Domino’s, Starbucks, Pasibus, Salad Story and Zahir Kebab exhibit a lack of commitment with scores of 21% (McDonald’s), 3% (KFC) and 0% (the rest). Regarding commitments and targets in Romania, Subway, IKEA, PAUL and Pizza Hut have conceded the need for higher welfare standards for broiler chicken. Each of the companies gathers a percentage of 94%.  On the other hand KFC, Burger King, Domino’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, 5 to go, Salad Box and Spartan show a lack of commitment, with scores between 3% (KFC) and 0% (other companies). 
  • In respect to performance and progress reporting, in both Poland and Romania, Subway is the only chain that received a non-zero score. All other assessed companies received a score of 0%. These companies did not publish any information on their websites. This indicates a significant lack of action and transparency. Without progress reporting, the public is left to assume that these companies are doing nothing to eliminate the cruelty happening to chickens in the supply chain.  

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Media contact: Cassie Bodin-Duval, international media relations coordinator, cbodinduval@hsi.org

Feeric Fashion Week Sibiu will have its first fur-free edition

Humane Society International / Europe

Kateryna Kukota

SIBIU, Romania―The Feeric Fashion Week, the oldest still running fashion event in Romania, has accepted the invitation of Humane Society International/Europe to join the Fur Free Retailer programme. It will have its first fur-free edition between July 19-23, 2023 in Sibiu. Among the fashion brands and designers participating in the Sibiu fashion festival, there are students from fashion universities from Eastern and Central Europe, Central Asia and Northern Africa.

HSI/Europe, who represents the Fur Free Retailer programme for Romania, welcomes the newest member, which is also the first fashion show to join it.

Andreea Roseti, Romania country director for HSI/Europe, said: “It is an excellent message that a well-known fashion festival in Romania has decided for the first time to promote brands not using fur in their clothing products. With the help of events like Feeric Fashion Week, we are changing perceptions in Romania about fur and making people aware that the suffering of animals bred for their fur must be stopped. Our hope is that the Chamber of Deputies will soon vote for the legislation to close fur farms in our country.”

Elise Allart, corporate engagement director at HSI/Europe, added: “The Romanian fashion industry clearly shows that the future of fashion is fur-free. Feeric Fashion Week is the first fashion event in the world to join the Fur Free Retailer programme and commit to banning fur fashion from the runway. The event is a great addition to the growing list of Romanian fashion brands that are already part of the programme, including Ioana Ciolacu, Muse um Concept, REDU and OCTAVIA CHIRU. Last weeks we welcomed KATERINI and HOOLDRA. We call on all designers, retailers and events to join the fur-free fashion movement in Romania, contributing to the overall European effort to give up fur fashion.”

Mitichi, president of Feeric Fashion Week, said that sustainability and care for the environment have been major concerns for the organisers of the event for many years, stating: “We are now in our seventh year of promoting sustainable fashion, but 2023 is the first year that we are focusing on promoting fur-free clothing creations. We decided that we needed to take on the role of informing the public and helping to build a cleaner environment and a better future for the fashion industry, one that does not involve animal cruelty.”

This Feeric Fashion Week marks its 15th edition, being the longest running fashion event in Romania and one of the most important in Central and Eastern Europe. Feeric Fashion Week has also proved over time to be a platform for the promotion of young talent, with students who study fashion design having the chance to present their creations and be noticed by representatives of established brands in the fashion industry.

Fur facts:

  • The Fur Free Retailer programme is the world’s leading initiative to connect fur-free businesses with customers looking for ethically sourced products. The programme is free to join and aims to advise and encourage companies to go fur-free and further the spirit of ethical consumerism. Almost 1,600 fashion brands, retailers and designers in 25 countries around the world are part of the program, including Gucci, Moncler, Prada, Adidas, H&M and Zara. The program is initiated by the Fur Free Alliance, an association of more than 50 animal welfare organizations, and is represented in Romania by Humane Society International/Europe.
  • Romania remains one of the last EU member states with no restrictions on the keeping of animals for fur.
  • Last year, an undercover investigation by HSI/Europe exposed the living conditions on Romanian chinchilla farms. Animals were found living in small, dirty mesh cages. Female animals were forced into permanent reproduction and animals were killed by breaking their necks or in improvised do-it-yourself gas chambers. Following the HSI/Europe investigation, a bill to ban the farming of mink and chinchilla was tabled in parliament, voted on by the Senate and is currently debated by the Chamber of Deputies.
  • Public demand for an EU-wide ban on fur farming and fur imports has also been clearly demonstrated during the past year as the Fur Free Europe petition collected more than 1.5 million verified signatures from EU citizens. The European Commission is expected to respond to the demands of the petition by the end of the year and take action accordingly.
  • More than 100 million animals are killed for their fur every year worldwide—that is equivalent to three animals dying every second, just for their fur.

Fur farming has been banned in 19 European countries including the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Malta, Ireland, Estonia, France, Italy and, most recently, on 22 September 2022, Latvia. Political discussions on a ban are also underway in Romania, Lithuania and Poland. Two countries (Switzerland and Germany) have implemented strict regulations effectively ending fur farming, and three other countries (Denmark, Sweden and Hungary) have imposed measures that have ended the fur farming of certain species.

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Media contacts: Andreea Roseti, Romania country director at Humane Society International/Europe, 0741 188 934

Humane Society International / Europe

HSI.

BUCHAREST, Romania―Romanian politicians and animal protection organizations from across Europe joined forces to call for a ban on fur farming in Romania, during a round table event in the Romanian parliament. The Romanian office of Humane Society International organized the event, which well-known TV presenter Simona Gherghe moderated.

Participants at the “For a fur-free Romania” event urged the Chamber of Deputies to approve draft legislation currently under consideration that would ban fur farming in Romania, putting an end to the cruel practice of breeding and killing animals such as mink and chinchilla for their fur. The Romanian Senate voted in favor of the proposed legislation in December last year, but the Chamber of Deputies has the deciding vote. If passed, the ban would see Romania become the 20th European country to close down such farms.

Representatives from 13 animal protection groups that are members of the Fur Free Alliance—an international coalition working to end fur farming—were present at the event to support the proposed law to ban fur farming. The ban was proposed last year following the release of a shocking undercover investigation by HSI/Europe exposing the appalling conditions on fur farms across Romania. The first ever footage taken inside Romania’s chinchilla fur farms showed animals confined in small, filthy wire cages, their legs often slipping through the wire floor, only to be killed for fur fashion in improvised gas chambers at just a few months old.

Speaking on behalf of the initiators of the proposed ban, deputy Gheorghe Pecingină called for a favorable vote in the Chamber of Deputies as soon as possible. Pecingină said: “It is time for Romania to shut down its fur farms, and for the Chamber of Deputies to follow the example of the Senate by voting in favor of this initiative. There are only a handful of such farms left in Romania, only for two species – chinchillas and American minks. The draft law no. 23 /2023 must pass, and Romania must join the majority of member states of the European Union that have banned this cruel, anachronistic activity.”

Humane Society International/Europe announced the launch of a publicity campaign and petition to demonstrate public support for a fur farming ban. Andreea Roseti, Romania director for HSI/Europe, said: “I urge Romania’s members of Parliament to make the right decision from a moral standpoint and ban fur farms. Not only is it morally unacceptable to cause animals suffering in the name of fashion, but there are so many fur-free alternatives to such clothing products. The conditions on Romanian fur farms are terrible, as demonstrated by the videos, photos and testimonies made public last year by HSI/Europe.”

Joh Vinding, chairperson of the Fur Free Alliance, said: “We applaud the Romanian politicians who are supporting legislation to ban fur farming. A ban will make Romania part of a growing movement across Europe where already 19 countries have listened to the overwhelming public opinion that animals should not suffer for fashion. This important legislation will save thousands of animals and bring us one step closer to a fur free Europe.”

At the end of the discussion, Fur Free Alliance members submitted a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and members of the Chamber of Deputies, requesting the rapid approval of the draft law for banning fur farms in Romania. The letter cited animal protection and public health as primary reasons for such a ban, and highlighted the decline in popularity and economic value of the fur industry in recent years.

To date, fur farming has been banned in 19 European countries including 14 EU member states: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Slovakia and Slovenia. Proposed legislation to prohibit fur farming is currently being considered in Poland and Lithuania. A further two countries—Switzerland and Germany—have implemented such strict welfare regulations that fur farming has effectively ended, and three other countries—Denmark, Sweden and Hungary—have imposed measures that have ended the farming of certain species. Only a small number of EU member states, such as Romania, still allow the farming of animals for their fur to continue.

Earlier this year, the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative collected more than 1.7 million signatories from citizens of the European Union. Addressed to the European Commission, the ECI calls for a ban on fur farming and on the trade of fur products in the European Union.

Download photos and video of Romanian chinchilla fur farms

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Media contact: Wendy Higgins, director of international media: whiggins@hsi.org

Humane Society International / Europe

Kateryna Kukota

BUCHAREST, Romania—Four fashion brands in Romania have pledged to go fur-free after working with Humane Society International/Europe, and have become the first designers in Romania to join the global Fur Free Retailer program. Ioana Ciolacu, Muse um Concept, REDU and OCTAVIA CHIRU now join the almost 1,600 fashion brands, retailers and designers in 25 countries around the world to join Fur Free Retailer, including Gucci, Moncler, Prada, Adidas, H&M and Zara.

The fur-free announcements come at a crucial moment in HSI/Europe’s campaign to end the fur industry in Romania, with three committees in the House of Deputies discussing a bill to ban the keeping of mink and chinchilla for their fur. In December last year the Romanian Senate voted in favour of the bill.

Andreea Roseti, Romania country director for HSI/Europe, said: “HSI/Europe is pleased to have been able to work alongside these Romanian designers and fashion brands and applauds them for taking the important decision to join the Fur Free Retailer program. By making this commitment to a fur-free future, they are showing they are in tune with the growing majority of ethical consumers who believe that animals should not suffer in the name of fashion. Politicians in Romania also have an opportunity to take a stand against fur cruelty by supporting the bill to ban fur farming, and we hope that they will use their vote to consign this cruel industry to Romania’s history books.”

Romania is one of the few remaining EU member states where the keeping of animals for fur is still permitted. The practice has been banned in 19 European countries, including 14 EU member states, following public and political concern about animal welfare and the spread of zoonotic diseases. The fur industry in Romania is in decline, with the number of fur farms having dropped dramatically from more than 150 in 2013 to 13 in 2022. Despite this, two large mink farms and around a dozen chinchilla farms still operate, producing approximately 100,000 mink pelts and 15,000 chinchilla pelts annually.

Last year, an HSI/Europe undercover investigation exposed the animal suffering and deprived living conditions on Romanian chinchilla farms, where the animals are kept in small, dark and dirty cages, the females forced into a nearly permanent reproduction cycle before their short lives are ended by neck-breaking or in improvised gas chambers.

Around the world, there is increasing public outcry about the ethics of keeping and killing animals in factory farm conditions solely for fur fashion. In recent years, additional public, political and scientific concerns have intensified after mink on more than 480 fur farms across Europe and North America tested positive for the virus that causes SARS-CoV-2 including instances where the virus was transmitted to humans. Foxes and raccoon dogs, common species bred for fur, are also susceptible to the virus.

Public demand for an EU-wide ban on fur farming and fur imports has also been clearly demonstrated during the past 10 months. The Fur Free Europe petition collected more than 1.7 million signatures from EU citizens, and the European Commission is expected to respond within three months and to take action accordingly.

Ioana Ciolacu, the Romanian designer from contemporary womenswear fashion label of the same name, states: “Killing animals for fur is barbaric, unethical and in bad taste. When I see fur used in fashion, I see poor taste, so no animals should be killed in its name, because let’s be honest – no design can match this supreme sacrifice.”

Adina Orboi, the designer behind Muse um Concept, says: “Muse um Concept believes that nature, animals and people should be cared for and respected equally. It is an ethical choice not to use fur and other animal materials in my collections.”

Designer Andreea Sofronea from the sustainable fashion social enterprise, REDU, says: “For nearly eight years, our primary focus has been on environmental protection and making a positive impact on the planet. With technological advancements and sustainable alternatives in the textile industry, fur farming has become obsolete, inhumane, and purposeless in today’s society.”

Octavia Chiru from OCTAVIA CHIRU says: “We’ve created our sustainable fashion brand in a world of consumerism to make a difference. We want a future for everyone, a healthy one!”

Fur facts

  • More than 100 million animals are killed for their fur every year worldwide—that is equivalent to three animals dying every second, just for their fur.
  • Fur farming has been banned in 19 European countries including the Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Malta, Ireland, Estonia, France, Italy and most recently, on 22nd September 2022, Latvia. Political discussions on a ban are also underway in Romania, Lithuania and Poland. A further two countries (Switzerland and Germany) have implemented such strict regulations that fur farming has effectively ended, and three other countries (Denmark, Sweden and Hungary) have imposed measures that have ended the farming of certain species.
  • The Fur Free Retailer program is the world’s leading initiative to connect fur-free businesses with customers looking for ethically sourced products. The program is free to join and aims to advise and encourage companies to go fur-free and further the spirit of ethical consumerism. The program is initiated by the Fur Free Alliance, an association of more than 50 animal welfare organizations, and is represented in Romania by Humane Society International/Europe.

ENDS

Media contact: Yavor Gechev, communications director for HSI/Europe: ygechev@hsi.org +359889468098

Humane Society International / Europe

Chinchilla fur farms in Romania 2021. HSI
Romanian Chinchilla Farm Investigation
Romanian Chinchilla Farm Investigation HSI in Romania
BUCHAREST, Romania—The Romanian Senate has voted in favour of a draft bill to ban chinchilla and mink fur farming, following an investigation by Humane Society International/Europe that exposed shocking suffering on the country’s fur farms.

Andreea Roseti, Romania country director for HSI/Europe, welcomed the vote, saying: “The broad cross-party support for this bill in the Senate strongly signals the willingness of the Romanian Parliament to put an end to the cruel practice of breeding and killing animals for fur.

HSI/Europe welcomes the quick legislative path of this bill, and hopes that when it comes to the Chamber of Deputies in the next few months, the decision-making chamber will act decisively so that Romania can become the 20th European country to ban fur farming. The European continent can be considered a trailblazer in ending the suffering of animals for fur fashion, a practice that is being rejected by consumers, designers, retailers and policymakers across the world.”

The bill was initiated in October this year, after which it was presented in the Standing Bureau of the Chamber of Deputies on 7 Nov. and submitted and recorded in the Senate on the same day.

Chinchillas and minks are the only species of fur-bearing animals who are intensively bred on fur factory farms in Romania. If successful, the ban would therefore mark the end of fur farming in the country. In September this year, HSI/Europe revealed the results of its investigation at several of Romania’s chinchilla fur farms, documenting serious animal welfare concerns, including animals confined in small, wire-mesh cages, with females forced into a cycle of almost perpetual breeding, with total disregard for the natural behaviour of the species.

The vote in Romania comes while there is also growing support across Europe for an EU-wide ban on fur farming and imports. The “Fur-Free Europe” European Citizens’ Initiative, launched in May and supported by more than 70 organisations, has already collected more than 1.1 million signatures of EU citizens.

ENDS

Media Contact:

  • Romania: Andreea Roseti, country director HSI/Europe in Romania: aroseti@hsi.org ; 0741-188-934
  • United Kingdom: Wendy Higgins, director of international media: whiggins@hsi.org

 

HSI praises Romanian Red Cross for unprecedented co-operation to help people with animals in war

Humane Society International

HSI’s Romania director Andreea Roseti delivers pet food to Romanian Red Cross for the Ukrainian relief effort.

Sibiu, ROMANIA—The Romanian Red Cross and animal protection organisation Humane Society International have launched an unprecedented agreement to get vital pet food and veterinary supplies into Ukraine to help tackle a worsening animal welfare crisis.

Hundreds of animal shelters, veterinary clinics and rescue centres, as well as thousands of families with pets who remain in Ukraine, are struggling to find food for the animals in their care, and providing veterinary care for injured or sick animals is increasingly challenging as supplies are at risk of running out. In recognition of the clear desire of people in Ukraine to care for the animals caught up alongside them in the war, the Romanian Red Cross will, for the first time ever, add life-saving aid for animals to its humanitarian aid transport. Humane Society International has donated the first tonne of pet food to the Romanian Red Cross, which the agency will take into Ukraine and distribute according to need.

Raluca Morar, executive director Romanian Red Cross Sibiu county, says: “In times like these, we, at the Red Cross know that our most valuable resource is kindness and compassion. Our humanitarian convoys will deliver not only supplies to people in desperate need, but also hope that help in on the way. In times like these we know that not only people, but also animals need help. We are happy and honoured to have Humane Society International on our side, making sure that much needed pet food will also reach Ukraine with our convoys. First ton of dry pet food has reached our loading point in Sibiu, and will be delivered to Ukraine within the next days.”

HSI/Europe’s Romania director, Andreea Roseti, says: “As this conflict continues, people and animals in Ukraine are suffering alongside each other, particularly in those animal shelters and homes where leaving animals behind has simply been an impossible decision to make. We are grateful that the Romanian Red Cross has recognised that the plight of animals in war is inextricably bound up with the plight of the people who live with them and care so deeply about their welfare. We have donated one tonne of emergency pet supplies, the first of many to come, that the Red Cross will distribute within Ukraine to help avert a worsening animal welfare crisis. There are large numbers of pet dogs and cats roaming the streets who have become separated from their families; they are bewildered, traumatised and in need of help. The tragedy of war doesn’t differentiate between two legs or four, and together with the Red Cross we will get aid to those people in Ukraine desperately asking for help to keep their animal friends alive in this crisis.”

HSI is also working with other local animal welfare groups in Germany, Italy and Poland to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict with their beloved pets by providing emergency supplies at refugee reception points. Supported by a generous donation from Mars, Incorporated, the charity is providing pet food, blankets as well as veterinary care for refugees arriving with animal companions. The people accessing these pet support services speak of their relief at being able to save their pets who are an enormous comfort in extremely stressful circumstances, especially for traumatised children. In Germany, HSI is working with animal welfare group Berliner Tiertafel to provide pet food and veterinary treatment. All over Berlin more than 30 vets are already supporting the project to provide aid to refugees and their pets, so that the animals receive urgent veterinary treatments alongside necessary vaccinations and microchips.

HSI’s Germany director, Sylvie Kremerskothen Gleason, says: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is of course a devastating humanitarian crisis, but the beloved dogs, cats and other animals of those fleeing Ukraine are very much part of that refugee story. We have heard from refugees we’re helping in Berlin that the loyal companionship of their pets has kept them and their families going on the arduous journey to safety. For children especially, their pets are an enormous source of comfort to help them cope with the trauma of war. These refugees are frightened and exhausted, so being able to help them care for their pets means they have one less thing to worry about at a time when they need help the most.”

Download Photos/Video of Humane Society International/Romania Red Cross

Download Additional Photos of Humane Society International’s Ukraine Response

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