Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Bucharest today to urge authorities to clear Romania's streets of stray dogs, after a four-year-old boy was mauled to death by a pack of strays.
"We are not sadists and our goal is not to see dogs put to sleep, but authorities must adopt legislation, in keeping with European standards, to solve the issue," Anca Porneala, one of the organisers, told AFP.
Between 40,000 and 60,000 stray dogs live on the streets of Bucharest, most of them fed and looked after by animal lovers.
The death of the child after he was repeatedly bitten by stray dogs near a park in the capital on Monday, prompted Bucharest mayor Sorin Oprescu to call a referendum on October 6 asking voters if they were in favour of putting down the strays.
Protesters called on Oprescu to end the problem once and for all.
"Before he was elected he promised to handle this problem, but he hasn't done anything since," Elena Marin, a pensioner, said.
"It is unacceptable that a child is bitten to death by stray dogs in a European capital," said Ion Kivu, a 33-year-old actor.
"I love animals, I have a dog and a cat, but I want my son to be safe when he walks the street," he added.
Lawmakers in 2011 adopted a bill allowing stray dogs to be killed but the Constitutional Court blocked it last year.
Lawmakers are set to discuss the bill again next week.
