Paws & Policy
Paws & Policy

Regional conference

Humane dog population management in the Balkans

Sarajevo, 17- 18 April 2026

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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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