State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS) management and responsible specialists this week met with representatives of Public Institution “Save the Animals” to discuss animal welfare assurance and control issues, cases identified in the country regarding illegal animal breeding sites, and instances of animal torture and cruelty.
Leaders of both organizations emphasized at the meeting that both sides are interested in closer and more effective cooperation – both non-governmental organizations and the SFVS. Therefore, it was agreed that in addressing the most pressing issues in the animal welfare field, information will be promptly exchanged about suspected violations at both pet and farm animal keeping facilities. In addition, the possibilities for animal welfare activists to participate in SFVS inspections conducted by SFVS inspectors regarding animal health and welfare were discussed. Also, to ensure maximum transparency of inspections and SFVS decisions, the possibilities of organizing cross-checks in which non-governmental organization representatives could also participate were discussed.
“We aim to strengthen cooperation with all non-governmental organizations, and one of the most important advantages of cooperating specifically with Public Institution “Save the Animals” is that this organization has a wide network of representatives throughout Lithuania. Therefore, we will be able to exchange information about possible animal welfare violations, illegal animal breeding sites, and so on, promptly throughout Lithuania, not only in the country’s major cities but also in remote regions,” SFVS Director Darius Remeika emphasized during the meeting.
Considering that comprehensively assessing an animal’s health, welfare, keeping conditions and fulfillment of other needs, as well as the application of legal provisions in specific situations, requires specialized knowledge, it was agreed that SFVS specialists will organize remote training in the near future for people working in animal welfare organizations, drawing on good practices from other countries in the animal welfare field where possible.
Source: SFVS