CHRONOLOGY OF THE PROTEST
AGAINST THE KILLING OF PETS
IN BULGARIA'S CAPITAL - SOFIA

FIRST ROUND:
Sofioters file protest letters
The Mayor denies the information posted in the "Sega" daily that the proposal has been tabled by his official, Galen Ganchev, head of Sofia Inspectorate, and assures animal rights champions that such a proposal is not going to be discussed.

SECOND ROUND:
Animal protection NGO's from all over the country join the protest
Despite the Mayor's assurance, NGO representatives attend the Commission for Environment meeting where the situation about the Ordnance in question is in a pretty mess. Item 3 of the agenda reads: "Proposals for amendments in the Regulation for Acquisition and Keeping Pets on the Territory of Sofia Municipality, as well in Regulation No. 1 on Social Order and Preservation of Municipality Real Estates on the Territory of Sofia". The Commission for Environment and G. Ganchev, head of Sofia Inspectorate are indicated as proposing parties.
1. At the meeting are absent the two interviewees in the "Sega" daily: the Commission Chair, Nelly Manova, member of the party of the ex-mayor Sofiyanski, and present Mayor's man, Galen Ganchev.
2. It turns out that there is nothing in writing concerning the proposed amendment attached to the Regulations.
3. The Commission unanimously decides to postpone Item 3 for a following meeting, when all members will table their proposals for amendments.

THIRD ROUND:
NGO's file a letter demanding an urgent inspection in the municipal pound and draft a version for amendments to the Regulation in compliance with the Act on Veterinary Activity and the Animal Protection Bill
Representatives of NGO's, of Student Councils and Sofia co-ordinators discuss the situation with the Deputy Mayor on environment, Milor Mihaylov. He promises to table to the upcoming Commission meeting alternative proposals for amendments to the Regulation, but never manages to discuss with organizations their proposal for being very busy. He doesn't table any alternative proposals, but meanwhile the Commission Chair postpones the discussion of the AMENDMENTS explaining that the Animal Protection Bill is to be passed soon and it is necessary for the Commission members to get acquainted with it, so that future amendments be in compliance.

FOURTH ROUND:
NGO's are given the opportunity to give arguments for their position on the envisaged amendments to the Regulation at a Commission meeting
Fourth postponement of the AMENDMENTS discussions

FIFTH ROUND:
NGO's table at a Commission meeting their draft for amendments to the Regulation
Fifth postponement of the AMENDMENTS discussions

SIXTH ROUND:
The mass collection of neutered dogs provokes the NGO-organized urgent inspection in the municipal pound on 03 August 2006 backed by a Mayor's order and with the participation of the NGO's, Student Councils and Sofia co-ordinators

WE ARE HERE… AND CONTINUE THE STRUGGLE…