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Our impact

As a member of the European Union, Romania benefits from both EU animal welfare legislation and national animal protection laws. Humane World for Animals strengthens animal protections and promotes policies that lead to lasting improvements for animals.

Humane World for Animals works alongside local partners, authorities, veterinarians and communities to advance practical, lasting solutions that improve the lives of animals. Through advocacy, education, capacity building and direct support programs, we are helping create a more humane future for animals across Romania.

0
animals

will be trapped and killed for fur in Romania when the fur farming ban championed for by Humane World for Animals goes into effect in 2027

4,000+
dogs and cats

have received veterinary care, including sterilization and vaccination

300+
police officers

have received specialized training on animal cruelty and dogfighting investigations

What we are working on

Humane World for Animals aims to create lasting change for animals across Romania. We are advocating for stronger protections for farmed animals, and the creation of more sustainable food systems. We also push for the protection of wildlife and biodiversity by promoting coexistence activities, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

We help dogs and cats in underserved communities access veterinary care, and work with local authorities to promote humane and effective solutions for managing stray animal populations. And by partnering with law enforcement on animal cruelty, we are helping them combat organized animal cruelty and dogfighting.

After successfully securing a national ban on fur farming in Romania, we have turned our efforts toward ending this horrific practice across the European Union.

Through advocacy, education and partnerships, we work towards a future where animals are treated with greater compassion and respect.

Two sad chinchillas in wired cage on fur farm

HSI

Ending fur farming in the European Union

After an investigation on farming conditions conducted by Humane World for Animals, Romania passed a ban on fur farming for mink and chinchillas. Now we are working towards the introduction of an EU-wide ban on fur farming, to finally put an end to this cruel practice.

Chickens

David Paul Morris

Improving farmed animal welfare

Industrial farms cause animal suffering on an unimaginable scale. In Romania, our work to improve farmed animal welfare includes ending cage confinement of hens in the egg industry, and promoting higher welfare standards for the more than 300 million chickens raised for meat in Romania every year.

We work with producers to adopt higher welfare practices and encourage companies to strengthen their animal welfare commitments and procurement policies. We also raise public awareness about farmed animal welfare and encourage consumers to support more humane food systems through education and advocacy campaigns.

The Pecking Order report 2025 Romania

Humane World for Animals Europe

The Pecking Order

Since 2023, Humane World for Animals has published The Pecking Order Romania, a report evaluating chicken welfare policies and the progress of major fast-food companies in Romania and Poland.

By increasing transparency, The Pecking Order encourages food companies to adopt higher welfare standards for chickens raised for meat and helps drive improvements across the sector.

Dogs in Romania

Radu Nastasia

Caring for stray animals

With nearly 1 million dogs free-roaming dogs in Romania, many face disease, malnutrition, and even culling campaigns organised by local authorities. Romania needs a more comprehensive and humane street dog management strategy. We partner with local authorities throughout the country to educate leaders on more strategic and efficient animal welfare solutions.

A woman holds a dog

Andreea Stanciu/Humane World for Animals

Access to veterinary care

Many regions in Romania faces significant challenges when it comes to caring for companion animals, especially communities in industrial zones and on former military sites. Many people struggle to afford veterinary services or don’t have access to them. Humane World for Animals works closely with local groups to offer support, including via a mobile veterinary program that brings services to families and their pets.

Black dog on heavy chain

Humane World for Animals

Strengthening animal protection law enforcement

Strong animal protection laws only create change when they are effectively enforced. Humane World for Animals works closely with Romanian authorities to strengthen their capacity to prevent, identify and investigate animal cruelty and animal fighting crimes.

Through partnerships with key institutions, we provide specialized training that helps law enforcement officers better understand animal protection legislation, recognise signs of abuse, collect evidence, and respond effectively to cases involving animal cruelty and organized dogfighting.

Take Action

Your voice makes a difference for animals. By sending messages to governments and companies, signing a petition, or sharing our campaigns with your contacts, you can join forces with animal lovers around the world to end cruelty and create a more compassionate and humane world. Join us in building a more compassionate Romania.

End horse-drawn carriages

A horse-drawn carriage ride may look charming, but behind this tourist attraction is a life of hardship for the horses forced to pull it.

Tell the U.S. EPA: End tests on dogs

Call to stop forcing dogs to ingest pesticides every day for 90 days, then killing them if they have not already died from the toxic effects of the substances.

Petition to Kroger

Sign this petition to Greg Foran, the CEO of Kroger, urging the company to keep its animal welfare promises and stop using cruel cages.

Stop Yulin cruelty

Ask Premier Li Qiang to end this animal welfare and public health nightmare in and around Yulin.

Stop animal cruelty on the runway

Tens of millions of animals suffer and die every year for frivolous fur fashion.

Ban whale hunting in Iceland

Urge Minister Friðriksson to end gruesome whale hunting. Whales already face multiple threats in the ocean from entanglement in fishing gear and ship strikes, pollution and climate change.

End cruel confinement

Ask Canada grocery retailers to require real progress for farmed animals.

End cruel fur farming in Iceland

Fur farming causes suffering to animals, damages the environment and is a risk to public health.

Support for a dog meat-free South Korea

Please add your name to show support for a dog meat free Bok Nal and South Korea.

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Photo by Volodymyr Burdiak/Alamy Stock Photo/