Snoop Investigation: Euthanasia of over 64,000 dogs, a 9 million euro business

An investigation conducted by Snoop.ro has revealed a controversial business in which over 64,000 dogs have been euthanized in Romania in the last three years, and four shelters in Vrancea, Giurgiu, Prahova, and Suceava have received approximately 9 million euros in public funds for these services. The case of the shelter in Suraia, where dogs were euthanized without anesthesia, has generated outrage, but the investigation shows that this is just one example of a system that favors euthanasia over adoption or sterilization. Contracts for managing stray dogs are awarded by local authorities, raising questions about the transparency and efficiency of fund usage. Serious irregularities have also been discovered, such as animal abuse and lack of adequate medical treatment. In the case of the Aspa Ivets shelter in Giurgiu, nearly 16,000 dogs were euthanized, and authorities have opened ten criminal cases for abuses. The investigation revealed that the law allows euthanasia after 14 days in a shelter, without encouraging long-term solutions such as adoptions or sterilizations. This situation has led to an economic model based on volume, where private operators are financially incentivized to kill animals instead of giving them a chance at life.

Veterinarian Daniel Lazăr, owner of Vetmedan, had ties with PSD: in 2013 he was vice president of TSD Suraia, he was married by Cătălin Graur (PSD), a current senator and former director of DSP Vrancea, and in 2020 he appeared as a former local councilor in Suraia. PSD Vrancea did not specify whether he is still a member or has any role in the party.