Animal Shelter in Viškovo Left Without Water in 32-Degree Heat
Firefighters are temporarily delivering water, but a permanent solution depends on a new site, and their appeal has so far gone unanswered.
Firefighters are temporarily delivering water, but a permanent solution depends on a new site, and their appeal has so far gone unanswered.
In Viškovo, the animal shelter for abandoned dogs run by the Rijeka Animal Protection Society is currently struggling with a serious shortage of drinking water because it is not connected to the water supply, and the wells and tanks they use are nearly empty due to the prolonged drought. The summer heat, with temperatures reaching 32 degrees in the shade, is adding to the difficulties.
Until a permanent solution is found, firefighters are delivering water to the shelter. In the meantime, volunteers are trying to help the dogs cope with the heat by walking them early in the morning, giving them the chance to cool off in pools, and some dogs even go on outings with volunteers.
The Rijeka Animal Protection Society says that a new site with adequate infrastructure and conditions for animal care would permanently solve the problem. Last month, in July 2026, an appeal was sent to local and regional authorities to help find suitable land.
Although they initially promised help, there have been no concrete results so far, and the shelter's problem becomes more evident during every dry and hot period. While waiting for a permanent solution, the shelter's daily operations largely depend on volunteers, citizens, and services that step in when supplies run out.
The lack of water is not the only issue. The shelter notes that this year has been particularly difficult due to the large number of abandoned animals arriving. The number of abandoned puppies found left in forests and other locations across Primorje-Gorski Kotar County is especially concerning.
The combination of a high number of abandoned dogs, summer heat, and a lack of basic infrastructure once again raises the question of a permanent solution for the shelter in Rijeka. Finding a suitable location with access to water and other necessary infrastructure is now not just a matter of better conditions, but a necessary prerequisite for safer and higher-quality care for the growing number of abandoned animals.
