Mayor's son detained in probe over illegal killing of hundreds of dogs at Romanian shelter

A 29-year-old veterinarian, identified as the son of the mayor of Berchișești commune in Suceava, has been detained for 24 hours as part of an investigation into the illegal killing of hundreds of dogs at a private shelter. Authorities suspect the animals were euthanized in violation of legal provisions, falsely claiming medical necessity.

The investigation was initiated on December 16, 2025, following an ex officio report concerning the "killing of animals with intent, without right." Investigators believe that throughout 2025, at the "Imperiul Cățeilor" (Dog Empire) shelter in Berchișești, numerous dogs were euthanized under the pretext of chronic illnesses or aggression, but without adhering to legal frameworks. The case is being coordinated by the Prosecutor's Office attached to the Suceava Tribunal.

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killing of animals with intent, without right

Judicial sources indicate that the investigation targets the "Imperiul Cățeilor" shelter, where suspicions suggest dozens, if not hundreds, of animals were killed unlawfully. The detained veterinarian is the son of Mayor Violeta Zenovia Țăran, and his father serves as the deputy director of the Suceava Sanitary-Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate (DSVSA). The young man himself is employed as a veterinarian within DSVSA Suceava.

Following evidence gathering and suspect interviews, police ordered the 24-hour detention. Meanwhile, the Coalition for Animal Protection has criticized the awarding of a new public contract to the association managing the investigated shelter, "Un Nou Început, o Nouă Viață" (A New Beginning, A New Life). The Poiana Stampei Mayor's Office awarded a 39,600 lei contract for stray dog management, which the coalition argues is allocated to an association under investigation for alleged illegal euthanasias.

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more than a few dozen, if not hundreds of animals