ArcelorMittal is the World largest steel company and they own a steel
plant in Galati, one of the largest from Europe. This was built in
communism time and when ArcelorMittal purchased it, they became the
"lucky" beneficiary of few hundred strays which rapidly became few
thousands dogs.
Located at the outskirt of town, the steel plants surroundings are the
"ideal" place where most of the dogs are abandoned from Galati, often
from Braila (near-by large town) or villages. In searching for food,
dogs migrate to the departments where people work, take lunch breaks and
leave rests of meals in trash.
Packs of dogs were formed in a short notice ,sometimes these dogs became
territorial, aggressive and attacking employees and clients of the
local steel plant.A solution had to be found by the AMG board for the safety of people and for health security reasons.
In 2007, AMG contacted ROLDA to work out an action plan for dogs and people well-being.In summer of 2007 the first steps were made for what became soon one of
the biggest dogs centers. In fall 2011, AMG invested in kennels
improvements and also sponsored the building of a charitable small
veterinary clinic to be used for free sterilizations and low cost
treatments for homeless dogs.
The plans for coming future include connecting the shelter to national
electric network, adding water and electricity for the vet clinic,
purchasing the veterinary equipment, building running spaces for dogs
exercises.From its inception, this investment cost AMG over 1 million EUR.
AMG is the first company based in Romania who decided to invest into
solving its own street dogs problem, being tired to wait for incompetent
authorities to do something for years.AMG carefully considered all aspects related to employees safety, the
protection of environment, animals welfare. Kennels build with modern
materials are insulated, offering space and comfort to all sheltered
dogs. This was a project in partnership with a relatively small
foundation (at that time) ROLDA, a project started from zero, built up
with dedication, responsibility and in respect for every form of life.
ArcelorMittal Galati silently offered an alternative for thousand of "nobody" dogs.
It is over 5 years since AMG efforts make a difference for the Galati
community, for each and every life saved for possible dangers and looked
after with care and compassion.
5 years, day by day commitment, funds spent, help offered
unconditionally to ROLDA to accomplish the strays rescue mission. Its
speaks for itself and this should be appreciated, encouraged, maybe set
as an example into this materialistic World ready to forget its values.
Romania and why not saying Europe, especially its south-east part, needs
more reliable sponsors and partners like AMG. ROLDA is lucky to benefit
of such a collaboration and see with less worries our dreams come true.
By adding your name to the list of signatures, you'll be mentioned as a
person who appreciate and admire AMG investment for Romanian dogs.
In a country in which dogs are slaughtered, abused, used in the most
barbarian way, AMG choose to have a different approach to proof that a
civilized, humane way of dealing with street dogs population is "mission
possible".
The shelter webpage can be visited here:
http://rolda.org/Home-for-Strays/general-description-of-rescue-center.html