A Quiet Sadness in the Mountains
Today, as I was cycling through the Kupres mountains, I watched around a dozen rangers with rifles and several dogs making their way up the slopes. I couldn’t help but wonder if this was part of the ongoing struggle Bosnia faces with its stray dog population — a heartbreaking legacy that traces back decades.
During the war, countless dogs were left behind, and their descendants still roam freely today. In many areas, there simply aren’t enough shelters, resources, or support for humane programs like desexing and vaccination. While some towns have made progress through rescue groups and volunteers, rural mountain regions often face a harsher reality.
Officially, the culling of stray dogs is illegal in Bosnia. Yet, in remote places like Kupres, reports persist of unofficial “control” operations when packs become too large or livestock are threatened. It’s a difficult and emotional issue — a mix of compassion, frustration, and the practical challenges of life in these rugged landscapes.
I rode away feeling heavy-hearted, wishing there were more hands to help and fewer reasons for fear. The dogs here didn’t choose this life; they simply survived it.