Slovenia is set to establish a state-funded shelter for equines, raising questions about governance and resource allocation.
A new amendment to the Animal Protection Act, effective since mid-August, mandates the creation of a shelter for horses and donkeys. The Ministry of Agriculture will grant a ten-year concession to a non-governmental organization, covering all operational costs from the state budget, including €1,700 per month for accommodation facilities and salaries for shelter staff.
New Equine Shelter Funded by State Budget
The recently enacted law allows for the establishment of a shelter specifically for equines, which will be entirely financed by taxpayers. This initiative aims to address the welfare of retired police horses, although the police have not formally requested such a facility. The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed solutions for abandoned livestock but has focused solely on equines for this new shelter.
Operational costs will include €6.5 per day per animal for feed, bedding, veterinary care, and transportation. The shelter’s manager will receive an average gross monthly salary of €2,629.71, while caretakers will earn a minimum wage of €1,481.88 gross by 2026.
Controversy Surrounding Legislative Process
The amendment allowing for the shelter was added late in the legislative process, raising concerns about transparency and adherence to legal protocols. Critics argue that the law bypasses standard procedures, as the government typically issues concessions for public services, not individual ministers.
Despite the urgency expressed by proponents, the Ministry of Agriculture has yet to publish the public tender for the concession, which was supposed to be released by September 20 of last year. The ministry recently published regulations for the concession, indicating that the process is moving forward, albeit slowly.
Next Steps for the Equine Shelter Initiative
- The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to announce the public tender for the concession soon.
- The concession is likely to be awarded to the Society for the Protection of Horses.
- Further discussions on the financial implications of the shelter’s operation are anticipated.
This new equine shelter reflects a significant shift in animal welfare policy in Slovenia, funded entirely by public resources.
