About us
Animal Welfare Association “Skitnica” Kakanj
Founded on May 19, 2022 under the name Animal Welfare Association “Skitnica” Kakanj, our organization was created out of the need to provide the local community with organized and lasting support in addressing the problem of abandoned animals. From the very beginning, our work has been focused on the everyday challenges faced by stray dogs, as well as by citizens who wish for a safer and more humane environment.
One of the main goals of our association is to find sustainable solutions to the issue of stray dogs while at the same time empowering the local community through education, public campaigns, and direct action. We believe that change begins with individual awareness, and by setting an example we show how care, responsibility, and solidarity can bring real results. Our activities include rescuing and sheltering abandoned dogs, organizing workshops and lectures, and cooperating with schools, institutions, and other organizations.
Through this approach, we aim not only to solve current problems but also to build a long‑term culture of respect and protection for animals. The “Skitnica” Kakanj Association is a place where love for animals turns into concrete action, and where the community gains the opportunity to work with us in creating a safer and more humane environment for all.
Team
Dedicated employees and committed volunteers, together with tireless field coordinators, form our strong team. Our strength lies in diversity – from experts who bring knowledge and experience, to young enthusiasts who contribute energy and fresh ideas. Each team member adds unique skills, and we are united by a shared vision of solidarity and care for the community. Thanks to mutual trust and constant support, we succeed in overcoming challenges and achieving our goals, and through joint effort we believe we can bring about lasting change.
Saida Husagić Schroeder
Founder and President
Haris Husika
Vice-president
Teo Lukić
Financial Manager
Albina Schroeder
Program Coordinator – DE
Šejla Čobo
Associate Members
Anida Zaimović
Associate Member
Elma Hadžić
Associate Member
Nermina Spahić
Associate Member
In Memory of Carsten
The Skitnica Association gratefully pays tribute to Carsten Schroeder, one of our founders. His vision, remarkable contribution, dedication, and unconditional love for animals laid the foundation of our work and enabled us to help dozens of abandoned and vulnerable animals over the years. Carsten’s kindness and deeds continue to live on through every animal we have helped, through every story of rescue and new beginnings. Thank you, Carsten, for leaving an indelible mark on our shared journey with your heart and your actions.
Scope of Activities
- Establishing close cooperation with the competent authorities in order to implement the Law on the Protection and Welfare of Animals and related regulations.
- Taking measures to initiate misdemeanor charges by the competent authorities against individuals responsible for violating relevant laws.
- Conducting educational campaigns on animal protection, rights, and welfare, as well as on violations thereof, with the aim of protecting animals, informing the public, and raising awareness to encourage responsible attitudes towards animals and respect for them, preventing abuse and suffering (especially of endangered animals and their habitats, the torture and killing of abandoned animals—dogs and cats, exploitation of endangered or protected species, factory farming, the fur industry, the use of animals in entertainment, and the use of animals for product testing).
- Organizing information stands and distributing informational materials (leaflets, brochures, books, etc.), as well as organizing petitions.
- Recording individual cases of cruelty to animals.
- Informing association members and the public about the work of the Association, its challenges, and campaigns.
- Publishing magazines, bulletins, brochures, leaflets, audio and video materials, as well as all other forms of promotional material related to the Association’s activities, in accordance with the law.
- Promoting ethical principles in veterinary medicine and industry.
- Collaborating with the media to achieve its goals.
- Promoting the protection and adoption of abandoned animals, providing shelter and adoption with the help of other organizations, ensuring veterinary care, treatment, and protection for sick and injured abandoned animals.
- Promoting the construction of shelters for abandoned animals by local government units.
- Promoting sterilization of pets and responsible ownership through prevention of abandonment, vaccination, microchipping, and reproduction control.
- Protecting nature and the environment.
- Organizing ecological actions.