ORCA MODEL

“FOR PEOPLE AND DOGS” is ORCA model of permanent – humane and effective solution to the problem of abandoned animals. By applying this model, through unique, specially designed methodology, in cooperation with the city or municipality, we are developing dog population control plans or programmes, adapted to the specific characteristics of the environment and in line with the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Comprehensive research of the state in local community, aimed at determining the owned and stray dog population size and characteristics, manners of keeping dogs, habits and behaviours of owners; environmental conditions that enable dog survival on the streets, etc. Various types of research are needed to ensure knowledge on all these topics.

Participatory development of the dog population control programme, through active participation of all actors: state administration, local self-governments, zoohygiene departments, veterinarians, schools, media, local environmental organisations, animal protection organisations, health institutions and other actors.

Creation of the functional mechanism for implementation of the dog population control programme, by establishment of the special working body (coordination team) composed of the representatives of all actors involved in implementation of measures that are envisaged by the programme. The goal of this working body is to coordinate the implementation of the defined measures and activities, to solve problems and challenges that appear during implementation and to monitor efficiency and effectiveness of the implemented measures.

NATIONAL DOG POPULATION CONTROL STRATEGY is the key element of ORCA model and NECESSARY PRECONDITION that will enable implementation of the dog population control at local level and ensure desired results – permanent and humane solution of the problems related to abandoned dogs.

National strategy is necessary because even though cities and municipalities are legally responsible for solving problems related to abandoned animals, experience have shown that they alone cannot solve them. Because of the complexity of these problems, a joint action involving state authorities, local self- governments and animal protection organisations is needed to permanently solve them.

NATIONAL DOG POPULATION CONTROL STRATEGY should ensure coordinated implementation of measures that affect causes but also consequences of the problems related to irresponsible pet ownership and abandoned animals, such as:

• mass spaying and neutering of animals,
• improving the database and register of all animals,
• consistent implementation of legislation that regulates responsible pet ownership

ORCA model “FOR PEOPLE AND DOGS”, is implemented by the expert multidisciplinary team composed of veterinarians, ecologists, lawyers and sociologists. The team ensures the quality of application of the methodology used by ORCA, as well as reliability of the results.

Unique and complex methodology of the model “FOR PEOPLE AND DOGS”, ORCA has developed based on its over 15 years’ experience in dog population control and in cooperation with experts from Great Britain and Switzerland. In this way, the approach was created, which responds completely to the needs of the local self-governments in the Western Balkan countries and is in line with the standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) in relation to stray dog population control.

In other words, ORCA model ensures that the mechanism which solves the problem of abandoned dogs works!

Cooperation

Cooperation among all relevant actors involved in dog population control is crucial for the success of the applied measures. Collaboration links, initiates and "lubricates" the mechanism of solving the problem of abandoned dogs. Without it, the mechanism would hardly turn and would eventually stop.

Legislation

Legislation must prescribe effective preventive measures and procedures with abandoned animals. Good coordination between the competent authorities is crucial for the effective implementation of the legislation.

Education and informing

Education and informing are important because all problems related to dogs are influenced by human behavior. Through education and informing, today's children and youth become tomorrow's responsible dog owners.

Identification and registration

Identification and registration is a legal obligation of the dog owners, but also a key preventive measure that facilitates the supervision of their movement, trade, and transportation and finding lost, abandoned and alienated pets.

Sterilisation

Sterilisation is the most effective measure to reduce the number of abandoned animals, protect the health and welfare of dogs and to reduce the uncontrolled breeding of owned dogs.

Control of food sources

Control of food sources is a necessary dog population control measure because free access to food sources guarantees good fitness and successful reproduction of abandoned animals.

Shelter

Shelter is intended for temporary and not permanent care of dogs. It must be well equipped and its staff trained for humane capture and handling of dogs.

Rehoming

Rehoming shelter dogs is the most humane way of dealing with abandoned animals. It is recommended that all animals be sterilised prior to being rehomed.

Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the least effective control measure. It is conducted exclusively by a veterinarian in cases where it is necessary.

Returning to the street

Returning healthy, nonaggressive, sterilised, vaccinated and identified individuals to the street is acceptable, only as a transitional dog population control measure.

Cooperation

Cooperation among all relevant actors involved in dog population control is crucial for the success of the applied measures. Collaboration links, initiates and "lubricates" the mechanism of solving the problem of abandoned dogs. Without it, the mechanism would hardly turn and would eventually stop.

Learn about the elements of the mechanism of ORCA model:

COOPERATION

Cooperation among all relevant actors involved in dog population control is crucial for the success of the applied measures. Collaboration links, initiates and "lubricates" the mechanism of solving the problem of abandoned dogs. Without it, the mechanism would hardly turn and would eventually stop.

IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION

Identification and registration is a legal obligation of the dog owners, but also a key preventive measure that facilitates the supervision of their movement, trade, and transportation and finding lost, abandoned and alienated pets.

SHELTER

Shelter is intended for temporary and not permanent care of dogs. It must be well equipped and its staff trained for humane capture and handling of dogs.

EDUCATION AND INFORMING

Education and informing are important because all problems related to dogs are influenced by human behavior. Through education and informing, today's children and youth become tomorrow's responsible dog owners.

REHOMING

Rehoming shelter dogs is the most humane way of dealing with abandoned animals. It is recommended that all animals be sterilised prior to being rehomed.

RETURNING TO THE STREET

Returning healthy, nonaggressive, sterilised, vaccinated and identified individuals to the street is acceptable, only as a transitional dog population control measure.

STERILISATION

Sterilisation is the most effective measure to reduce the number of abandoned animals, protect the health and welfare of dogs and to reduce the uncontrolled breeding of owned dogs.

EUTHANASIA

Euthanasia is the least effective control measure. It is conducted exclusively by a veterinarian in cases where it is necessary.

LEGISLATION

Legislation must prescribe effective preventive measures and procedures with abandoned animals. Good coordination between the competent authorities is crucial for the effective implementation of the legislation.

CONTROL OF FOOD SOURCES

Control of food sources is a necessary dog population control measure because free access to food sources guarantees good fitness and successful reproduction of abandoned animals.

SEE HOW WE IMPLEMENTED ORCA MODEL IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BOGATIĆ