Across the country, thousands of stray dogs struggle to survive on the streets, while many owned animals still live chained, unvaccinated, and without veterinary care. Local animal welfare groups work with extremely limited resources, yet they continue fighting for change.

In recent years, Moldova has begun taking important steps forward. New animal protection laws have been introduced, animal cruelty has become a criminal offence, and awareness is slowly growing. But progress remains fragile, and there is still an enormous need for practical support, education, and humane solutions.

We’re working alongside local partners to help build long-term change for animals in Moldova – from improving legislation and professional training to promoting responsible pet ownership and humane dog population management through sterilisation programmes and education.

In recent years, Moldova has taken some steps forward. In 2022, several positive changes to animal welfare legislation in Moldova were introduced:

• Moldova became only the second country (after Ukraine) to make animal abuse in front of children an aggravating offence for sentencing.
• Abuse of animals was added to the criminal code, making it an imprisonable offence.
• The age of criminal responsibility was lowered from 18 to 16.
• Animal fighting was formally criminalised.