Complete Ban on Bottom Trawling
We called for a complete and permanent
abolition of bottom trawling; the only solution that can save the Adriatic and reduce its destructive impact on the climate. Massive nets destroy almost four billion hectares of the world’s seabed, and a single pass can wipe out up to 40% of life in the affected area. We reminded that trawling emits more CO₂ annually than the entire aviation industry. Ecosystem recovery can take up to 15 years, and temporary bans will never compensate for the scale of damage.
Thousands Killed Due to African Swine Fever
On the occasion of the spread of African swine fever, we reminded that the pigs killed are not just statistics, but thousands of lost lives. Since the beginning of 2025, over 4,000 pigs have been killed, with another 12,000 pending euthanasia. Even without African swine fever, about 3,000 pigs are slaughtered daily in Croatian slaughterhouses. As a long-term solution, we highlighted shifting to plant-based food production, which provides necessary nutrients without animal suffering, disease risk, or ecological destruction.
International Animal Protection Day
On International Animal Protection Day, Saturday, October 4, visitors enjoyed an educational and entertaining program at European Square in Zagreb. The event is organized to raise awareness about the importance of animal protection and to encourage citizens to contribute through their actions. Discussions focused on responsible human-animal relationships, while visitors could try vegan dishes at the restaurant and enjoy good music and a relaxed atmosphere.
Roundtable on the Ban of Loud Fireworks
A Roundtable on the urgent need to amend the Explosives Act was held in the Croatian Parliament. The roundtable was organized by MP Marijana Petir, with participants including representatives from the Ministry of Interior, veterinarians, firefighters, and doctors. We emphasized that the use of loud fireworks seriously undermines the welfare of people, animals, and the environment, and proposed a ban on all loud fireworks, shortening the sales and usage period, and limiting the number of fireworks displays per year.
World Farmed Animals Day
October 2 marks World Farmed Animals Day – a day of mourning and remembrance for the billions of animals confined, tortured, and killed by humans due to the huge demand for meat, milk, and eggs. Every year, over 90 billion land animals end up in slaughterhouses worldwide, not including fish and other marine animals. We noted that these numbers should shock everyone and that everyone can help by choosing plant-based foods instead of animal products.
Sausage Remains a Sausage
We stated that we consider the new attempt of meat industry lobbying aimed at banning the use of names such as sausages, pâtés, and burgers for plant-based products absurd and harmful. It contradicts all low-carbon strategies, which is extremely dangerous in times of climate change. We see this as another attempt to slow the spread of plant-based meat that feeds people without harming health, animals, the climate, or the environment. Sign the petition here and share it further.
World Food Day
October 16 marks World Food Day, and on this occasion, we highlighted that animal farming and the livestock industry are responsible for enormous food waste even before food reaches the plate. Estimates show that up to 70% of all agricultural land worldwide is used for animal farming or feed production. Producing 1 kilogram of beef requires up to 20 kilograms of plant-based food and 15,000 liters of water. In this process, up to 90% of the calories that could directly feed humans are lost.
Meeting of the European Coalition Against Animal Testing
At a recent meeting of the European Coalition Against Animal Testing, Dr. Suzana Bedić represented our association, Animal Friends Croatia. The main topic was the campaign against the use of horseshoe crab blood. Every year, over 550,000 crabs are caught, and up to one-third of their blood is extracted without anesthesia. ECEAE has collected more than 20,000 petition signatures, which can still be signed here. Discussions also covered lethal botulinum testing on mice despite existing validated non-animal tests.
V-Label on Jumbo Billboards
We launched a campaign for the V-label, an internationally recognized label for vegan and vegetarian products, to emphasize the importance of clear and reliable labeling of plant-based products. Plant-based products are increasingly popular among consumers in Croatia and worldwide, regardless of dietary preferences.
Illegal Animal Sales at Trešnjevka Market
After several days of searching, a rooster was found at Trešnjevka Market. As an excess of illegal animal sales at the market, he became another victim of a heartless practice tolerated for decades. His story once again drew attention to the problem of illegal animal sales regularly occurring at the Zagreb market, which we have repeatedly reported and warned the City about.
News Flash
- Watch Luka’s appearance on “Sunday at 2”.
- We left a comment on the public consultation on the Draft Regulation “Temporary cessation of fishing activities” with bottom trawls and called on citizens to do the same.
- Complete and share the questionnaire to survey public opinion on managing crow populations so that the voices of those who want coexistence with nature in cities are heard.
- On Rabbit Day, we emphasized that responsible behavior of each individual is key to preserving wild rabbits.
- We held five school lectures on animal protection and veganism.
- We gave a statement on the Gudovac slaughterhouse.
- We reminded of the dark side of zoos and all the pain and suffering of exploited animals, who become pale shadows of themselves in cages.
- Watch the report on the proposal to ban names like “burger”, “sausage”, “steak” etc. for plant-based products and sign the petition requesting the EU to withdraw the ban on using meat names for plant-based products.
- Prior to the adoption of the 2026 budget, we again highlighted a serious problem in the City of Novska, where legal obligations toward animals are still not enforced.
- We sent an invitation to all regional and local communities to celebrate International Animal Protection Day.
- On October 30, we start our evening stands, which will be held every Thursday until the end of the year! At the evening stands, we screen educational films on animal rights. If you can volunteer on any Thursday until the end of the year, contact us by email so we can add you to the coordination group.
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Despite immense effort and numerous achievements, we cannot continue our work for animals without your ongoing financial support. Support us with a standing order, donation or annual membership payment. Even a few euros per month can mean a lot. Thank you all!
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