Paws & Policy
Paws & Policy

Regional conference

Humane dog population management in the Balkans

Sarajevo, 17- 18 April 2026

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Strengthening regional cooperation in humane dog population management

Sharing knowledge and best practices from the region and beyond

Bringing together institutions, veterinarians, and organizations

Advancing sustainable policies for animal welfare and safer communities

09.03.2026. 22:50

Bringing a New Dog Home: What Every Responsible Owner Should Prepare

The decision to welcome a dog into our home is one of the most beautiful, but also one of the most responsible decisions we can make. Your pet becomes a member of the family, a friend, and a loyal companion through many years of life.

26.02.2026. 06:29

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01.02.2026. 03:16

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Speakers
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Elzemina Bojičić

United Nations Development Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina

Elzemina Bojičić was born in 1965 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Graduated at the University of Sarajevo, Faculty on Public Administration. With the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) BiH since 2...

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Prof. dr. Selma Filipović

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo

Prof. Dr Selma Filipović was born in Sarajevo, where she completed her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo. She defended her doc...

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Jorgen Djedaj

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Albania

Jorgen Dedja is an Albanian veterinary professional holding a Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine. Since 2022, he has been serving at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as a Veteri...

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Emica Ćorić

Animal Care Center Mostar

Emica Ćorić was born in Mostar, where she completed her secondary education, and later spent the rest of her life in Germany. By profession she is a biologist/embryologist, and she was educated in Stu...

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Prof. Dr. Vlatko Ilieski

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Skopje

Prof. Dr. Vlatko Ilieski is a university professor with extensive background in education and research in veterinary medicine. The scientific research work of Prof. Vlatko Ilieski is mainly focused on...

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Luka Oman

Friends of Animals Association

Luka Oman is a well-known animal rights activist and the long-standing president of the Friends of Animals Association, one of the most prominent animal protection organisations in Croatia. For more t...

PROGRAM
17 April
18 April
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09:00 - 09:30

Participant Registration

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Arrival and registration of participants, including confirmation of attendance and distribution of event materials.

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09:30 - 09:45

Official Opening of the Conference

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Opening remarks by organizers and partners

Speakers: Adam Clowes (Dogs Trust UK), Emir Redžepović (Dogs Trust Foundation Bosnia), Prof. dr. Muhamed Smajlović (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | University of Sarajevo), Saša Bošković (Veterinary Office of Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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09:45 - 10:00

Celebrating Success: 12 Years of Dogs Trust in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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A presentation marking twelve years of Dogs Trust’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting key achievements, partnerships, and impact in improving dog welfare and responsible ownership.

Speakers: Anida Dinarević (Dogs Trust Foundation Bosnia), Alida Brkan (Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation Bosnia)

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10:00 - 10:30

Dog Population Management (DPM): What is DPM? Basic Principles and Global Successes

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An introduction to Dog Population Management (DPM), explaining its key principles, approaches, and examples of successful implementation in different countries around the world.

Speaker: Karen Reed (Dogs Trust)

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11:00 - 11:30

Across the Balkans: How Are We Building Sustainable Systems for Dogs?

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A presentation on experiences and approaches to building sustainable dog population management systems in the Balkan region, highlighting challenges, partnerships, and lessons learned.

Speaker: Dr. Paolo Dalla Villa (WOAH World Organization for Animal Health)

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11:30 - 12:00

Upcoming Regulation on the Welfare and Traceability of Dogs and Cats

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An overview of upcoming regulatory developments related to the welfare and traceability of dogs and cats, and their potential impact on policy, animal welfare systems, and responsible ownership.

Speaker: Kornilia Zafeiropoulou (Field of Animal Welfare at the European Commission)

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12:00 - 12:45

Panel Discussion: Where Are We on This Path? Discussion on the Development of Humane Dog Population Management Systems

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A panel discussion reflecting on progress made in establishing humane dog population management systems, key challenges, and future steps toward sustainable solutions.

Speakers: Inga Dujmović (Veterinary Office of BiH), Radmila Pesheva (Public Enterprise for the Welfare and Control of Stray Dogs, Lajka – Skopje), dr. Nol Kabashi (FVA-Kosovo), Ivan Ivanović (Department for Animal Health and Welfare, Food Safety Authority, Government of Montenegro)

Moderator: Sanja Bianculli (Dogs Trust Foundation Bosnia)

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12:45 - 13:15

NGOs in the System: The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Creating Humane Dog Population Management Strategies

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Role of non-governmental organizations in supporting institutions, advocating for humane approaches, and contributing to the development of sustainable dog population management strategies.

Speaker: Dr Elly Hiby (International Companion Animal Management (ICAM) Coalition)

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14:00 - 14:45

Panel Discussion II: DPM Implementation – Field Experiences and Case Studies

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Speakers: Velida Džafo (Municipality of Vareš), Tatjana Zajec (Zagreb Animal Shelter), Dunja Milošević (Beta), Maša Jovanović (Public Utility Company and Podgorica Shelter)

Moderator: Sanja Bianculli (Dogs Trust Foundation Bosnia)

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14:45 - 15:15

UNDP: How to Connect All Key Stakeholders in the System

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Speaker: Elzemina Bojičić (United Nations Development Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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15:15 - 18:45

Why Monitoring is Key to the Success of DPM Activities

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Speaker: Dr Elly Hiby (International Companion Animal Management (ICAM) Coalition)

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20:00 - 23:00

Networking party

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09:00 - 09:30

The Road to the East: Lessons from Asia

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Speaker: Luke Gamble (WVS – Mission Rabies)

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09:30 - 10:00

Fostering Scheme – What If There Is No Shelter? Fostering as a Dog Adoption Option

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Speakers: Elvira Sefo (Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation Bosnia), Mufid Aruković (Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation Bosnia)

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10:00 - 10:45

Panel Discussion III: How Does Adoption Work in the Balkans – Have We Changed Public Awareness?

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Speakers: Anda Šandal Karić (Friends of Animals), Dunja Kovač (Pet Institute), Emica Ćorić (Animal Care Center Mostar)

Moderator: Ivan Kurajev (Society for the Protection of Animals "Ljubimci")

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10:45 - 11:15

Example of a Public Shelter Owned by the State

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Speaker: Tatjana Zajec (Zagreb Animal Shelter)

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11:30 - 12:00

Creating Sustainable Local DPM Systems – Experience from Serbia

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Speaker: Ivan Kurajev (Society for the Protection of Animals "Ljubimci")

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12:00 - 12:30

Effective Implementation of Measures: Experience in Organising and Monitoring Humane Dog Population Management Activities

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Speaker: Luka Oman (Friends of Animals Association)

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13:00 - 13:30

The Role of Veterinarians in the Implementation and Supervision of DPM

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Speaker: Prof. Dr. Vlatko Ilieski (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Skopje)

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13:30 - 14:00

Panel Discussion IV: The Importance of Cross-Sector Communication in the Implementation and Monitoring of Humane Dog Population Management

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Speakers: Emica Ćorić (Animal Care Center Mostar), Jorgen Djedaj (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Albania), Prof. dr. Selma Filipović (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sarajevo)

Moderator: Elzemina Bojičić (United Nations Development Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina)

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14:00 - 14:15

Closing Remarks and Conference Closing

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FAQ

How can I register for the conference?

Participation in the conference is by invitation only. Selected participants will receive a formal invitation from the organisers.

Will the conference materials be available to the public?

Yes. After the conference, selected materials will be published on this website, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Who is organising the conference?

The conference is organised by Dogs Trust Worldwide Foundation Bosnia, in collaboration with institutional and expert partners working in the fields of veterinary medicine, public health, and animal welfare.

Who is the conference intended for?

This conference brings together experts, policymakers, veterinary professionals, and organisations working in the field of dog population management, animal welfare, and public health. The aim is to facilitate dialogue, share experiences, and support the development of sustainable and humane policies.

Can I follow future editions of the conference?

Yes. Paws & Policy website will serve as the main platform for updates on future editions of the conference and related events. Information about upcoming conferences, participation opportunities, and new initiatives will be shared here.

Location

Find all important event locations.

Ters House

Kolodvorska 12

71000, Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Event venue

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Other locations

Mövenpick Hotel

Fra Filipa Lastrića 2

7100, Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Accomodation

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Other locations

Aquarius Vils

Vilsonovo šetalište, Zmaja od Bosne 13

71000, Sarajevo
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Networking party

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Other locations