Lithuania 2008 & 2007

 

During the year, Naturewatch Foundation and the Lithuanian Society for the Protection of Animals (LiSPA), provided direct rescue and veterinary care to over 900 individual wild animals.

 

In respect to other types of animals, there are now dog and cat shelters in every main city, the national zoo is continuously improving conditions for its animals, the State Veterinary Service Inspectors safeguard livestock and LiSPA is a member of the Laboratory Animal use and Ethics Committee.

 

This has been achieved because we have worked closely with the national authorities since 1993 to promote animal welfare issues and have a first class working relationship with everyone involved. LiSPA staff members (four) have this year written many articles and provided interviews to journals, TV, radio, and news media. LiSPA has responded to countless local and national issues and has lobbied both its MP’s and MEP’s.

 

 

 

 

This year, as in every year, all manner of species have passed through LiSPA's Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, from sick dogs and cats to swans frozen on the lakes and river in winter. All receive expert attention and life-saving treatment.  The Lithuania team comprises of 2 full-time vets and 3 rescue staff.  They are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week answering all animal emergencies. 

 

The importance of campaigning on animal welfare issues is always at the forefront. Exotic animals, whether in zoos, circuses or pet shops, are also under LiSPA’s watchful eye. As living standards improve in our country, more and more people are interested in acquiring exotic pets. Many of these newly-imported animals, birds and reptiles need very specific husbandry requirements, which in turn requires prospective exotic pet owners to be familiarised with all the animal needs. Many pet shops do not provide sufficient information to their clients which results in undue suffering for the animal. LiSPA has been asked to care for any confiscated exotic animals until court cases have been heard.  

 

Currently the issues of travelling circuses, hunting and the keeping of exotic animals are all actively being discussed with the relevant authorities.