Enhancing animal welfare through education of representatives of citizens associations aimed at animal rescue and protection – a review

This review was aimed to describe the past and current situation related to the protection and rescue of animals by people organised in citizens associations in Slovakia, and to present the critical points and possible and easily applicable solutions. The article discusses the analogy with other associations that can validly carry out their activities only after completing training and conducting professional examinations. Moreover, it points to relevant European legislation and the absence of a similar legal provision in the Slovak legal order. Arguments explaining the importance of educating members of civil societies focused on the protection of animal rights or animal rescue are presented. Completing mandatory and qualified education will ensure that the civil societies can be reliable and compliant partners with state authorities in the protection and enforcement of animal rights, which in result, enhances the welfare of animals in Slovakia.