The heat wave affecting Western Europe has now reached the Balkans. In Montenegro, animal welfare activists are raising concerns about abandoned animals in the country.
In the outskirts of Podgorica, several horses roam unsupervised without shelter, water, or food. Temperatures soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) have alarmed activists regarding the health of these animals. “This is just 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) from the city center,” stated Marta Darmanovic, an animal protection activist. “It’s not in the middle of nowhere.”
Across Europe, extreme heat has broken temperature records, strained hospitals, and left people struggling to cool down. In France, the week’s temperatures surpassed those of the historic 2003 heat wave, attributed to 15,000 deaths, many among the elderly. Hungary broke a 2007 national heat record with 42 °C (107.6 °F) temperatures reported on Tuesday by the National Meteorological Service.
In Montenegro’s capital, the open area where the horses gather is near an illegal landfill and several makeshift settlements. It remains unclear how the animals arrived there or if they belong to anyone. “It’s simply incredible that a country lacks a shelter for large animals, confiscated horses, stray livestock, and wild animals,” said Darmanovic. “Montenegro has essentially legalized animal mistreatment by not providing even the minimum necessary infrastructure to enforce regulations.”
The Adriatic nation of 620,000 people is seeking to join the European Union by 2028. EU candidate countries must have laws regulating animal welfare.
Branko Kovacevic, head of the Municipal Inspection Administration in Podgorica, indicated that the city has established shelters for dogs and cats, and his agency is addressing the issue of large animals within the current regulations.
“Horses and other abandoned domestic animals keep appearing,” Kovacevic explained. “Within the limits of the law, we will address the problem.” Kovacevic noted that “unfortunately, no one is responsible” for providing food or water to the animals.
While Montenegro and other Balkan regions are more accustomed to summer heat than countries like Britain or France, authorities have advised residents to stay indoors and drink plenty of water. Regional temperatures are expected to decrease by Tuesday and Wednesday.
In the eastern Croatian city of Osijek, zoo animals are being served ice cream made of fruit and meat. A zoo employee told HRT that monkeys prefer staying indoors to rest. “They like cold watermelons, melons, and grapes,” said employee Zeljko Busljeta. “They also receive lemonade and iced tea.”