Romania, October 8, 2026(Sub News) A Pakistani business delegation from the Pakistan–Romania Business Council (PRBC) visited the “Urme de Bucurie (Footprints of Joy)” animal welfare centre in Cernavodă, Constanța County, to learn from Romania’s experience in humane stray animal management and explore possibilities for adapting successful practices in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi and Sindh.
The delegation was led by Atif Farooqi, Honorary Consul Designate of Romania in Sindh, Advisor and Chief Operating Officer of PRBC. The delegation was welcomed by Adriana Susmă, Director General of Save the Dogs and Other Animals, who briefed the visitors on the organization’s work in animal rescue, rehabilitation, veterinary care, sterilization, vaccination, adoption and humane management of stray animal populations.
During the visit, the Pakistani delegation examined Romania’s experience in addressing challenges related to stray animals, including abandonment, uncontrolled breeding and inadequate animal protection infrastructure.
Discussions focused on the possibility of transferring Romanian expertise to Pakistan, particularly in the areas of sterilization and vaccination campaigns, veterinary infrastructure, responsible adoption, public awareness and humane stray dog population management.
Romania has made significant progress over the past two decades in developing more responsible approaches to animal welfare. Organizations such as Save the Dogs have demonstrated how sustained investment in veterinary services, prevention, public education and cooperation between authorities and civil society can contribute to long-term solutions.
Founded by Italian animal welfare activist Sara Turetta, Save the Dogs began its activities in Cernavodă in 2002. Over the past two decades, the organization has assisted thousands of abandoned, neglected and abused animals through rescue, veterinary treatment, rehabilitation, sterilization, adoption and community education programmes.
The Urme de Bucurie centre includes veterinary facilities, shelters for dogs and cats, as well as specialized accommodation for rescued horses and donkeys. The organization also operates adoption and volunteer programmes aimed at providing rescued animals with permanent and safe homes.
Romanian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Dan Stoenescu said that Romania was keen to share its experience with Pakistani partners and encourage the adaptation of successful practices in Karachi and across Sindh.
He said animal welfare was not only about protecting animals but was also closely linked with public health, community safety, responsible governance and the values passed on to future generations.
The ambassador expressed hope that the visit would mark the beginning of practical cooperation between Romanian and Pakistani institutions and organizations, allowing lessons learned in Cernavodă to contribute to tangible improvements in Pakistan.
The visit was part of the PRBC delegation’s broader programme in Romania aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation beyond traditional trade and investment.
Facilitated through the efforts of the Embassy of Romania in Islamabad and the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit highlighted the potential for expanding Pakistan–Romania cooperation into areas including social responsibility, community development and animal welfare.
The Pakistani delegation appreciated the hospitality and professionalism of Adriana Susmă and the Save the Dogs team and expressed hope for further cooperation among Romanian and Pakistani local authorities, veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations.
The visit underscored the shared potential of Pakistan and Romania to exchange expertise and develop more humane, sustainable and effective approaches to animal welfare and stray animal management.
