Address: Wosinsky Ltp. 12.
Szekszard
7100
Fax: (36) 74-511-264
In the Beginning...
We
started our animal protection activity in July 1997 by joining Herosz - The
Hungarian Nation-wide Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature. At this
time, the task of collecting stray dogs, providing them with temporary shelter,
returning them to their owners if possible, otherwise finding new homes for
them constituted a major problem in the town of
In
1998 we took over animal duties from the mayor's office. In May 1998 we
established the Tolna County Foundation for the Protection of Animals and
Nature. Since then, we have gone on to: Run the Szekszard Animal Shelter.
Collect stray animals, provide home and care for them, give them back to their
owners, or, if nobody reclaims them, try to find a new home for them. Help the
mayor's office resolve complaints of animal cruelty or neglect. Operate animal
patrol. Organise public education campaigns on animal matters. Organise animal
care programs: exhibitions, performances of dog schools, camps for children,
family programs, etc.
We
have very good relations with the local media. Through these channels, we try
to promote a humane attitude towards animals and change the terrible situation
animal protection is in at present in Hungary. The mayor's office as well as
people of Szekszard turn to us to help solve problems involving dogs, cats,
foxes, bats, birds, all kinds of pets, etc.
The
foundation's work is organised and managed by chairwoman Szilvia Fiath, and
secretary Piroska Nagy. Day-to-day work is performed by ten people. The number
of our supporting members is close to 100.
Following
much work of both organising and implementing, the foundation was able to open
our new, more modern animal shelter on 23th June, 2000. The shelter has got all
necessary certificates from the authorities and is run with the support of
Szekszard Mayor's Office. The office provides the premises, buildings, and
personnel for the shelter; in exchange, our foundation fulfills the duties of
looking after stray animals in Szekszard. This unique co-operation stands as an
example of how a common effort of city councils and civilian organisations can
lead to well run shelters.
In
2001, our shelter won the "Shelter of the Year" prize, awarded by the
National Association of Hungarian Journalists.
We
almost always operate at our capacity which is 200 dogs, a few cats, birds, and
rodents. Since 1997 we have rescued about 800 dogs and 30 cats. We have found
caring new owners for almost 600 of them. Nearly 100 dogs have got into new
homes without ever seeing the shelter. We often rescue members of protected
species: white storks, forest birds, bats.
Our
shelter has always been a no-kill shelter. Our strong belief is that each dog,
as a feeling creature, has a right to life, regardless of its breed and age.
Every potential adopter must follow our regulations, including these points:
The animal cannot be used for experiments of any kind. The animal cannot be
sold to anybody. If it becomes impossible for the potential adopter to care for
the animal, they agree to return it to the shelter.
We
are a non-profit organisation of very modest financial means. Our revenues
consist solely of donations from private individuals and local businesses.
Szekszárd
, 15 July 2003
Szilvia
Fiáth Piroska Nagy