Controversy Erupts over Dead Animal Disposal Near Bulgarian Reserve
A strong odor of decay and the horrifying sight of animal carcasses greeted employees of the Central Balkan National Park during a recent patrol in the Jendema Reserve. The disturbing discovery has ignited a heated debate about the disposal of animal remains near a protected area.
A Gruesome Find
“I never imagined encountering such a scene in a reserve,” Kolyo Angelov, head of the park’s security and control team, told reporters. “A whole buffalo carcass lay amidst the remains of at least ten other animals, including skins, heads, and hooves.”
All the decaying carcasses and animal parts were found near a van with specialized windows owned by a local breeder from Kalofer. The National Park director, Georgi Krastev, believes the van’s placement is illegal.
“He may have numerous permits,” stated Krastev, “but that doesn’t entitle him to operate within the park boundaries.”
Legal Disposal or Environmental Hazard?
The van’s owner, Todor Dikliev, maintains that his actions are entirely legal, asserting that he has a permit from the municipality to place a movable object and monitor predators. He claims the van sits on private property and that his disposal method does not involve poaching. The Municipality of Karlovo confirmed issuing a temporary object placement permit, but emphasized that they have no involvement in its intended use.
Dikliev explained, “These are animals from illegal dumps throughout the municipality – legs, skins – I bring them here. This is intended to be a place where anyone can observe predators. I want to create a location where you can observe a bear and a vulture together. I maintain that I am not violating any boundaries; this is neither within the reserve nor the park.”
Central Balkan National Park officials dispute this claim, citing a Supreme Court ruling that designates the location as a protected reserve, prohibiting this type of activity.
They have reached out to the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and the prosecutor’s office to initiate an investigation. Krastev expressed concern about the unexplained cause of the animals’ deaths and the potential spread of disease, emphasizing that the authorities must determine if the carcasses pose a public health risk.
Ecological Concerns
“We are facing a potential ecological disaster,” warned Krastev. “Vultures have been spotted within the park, known to cross into Greece and Romania. Pathogens could spread, predators are attracted, they congregate in one place – the consequences are unknown.”
This isn’t the first time Dikliev has been accused of impropriety. Central Balkan National Park has issued him multiple violation notices totaling thousands of BGN for similar offenses, and he faced similar accusations at the same location last year.
What are the park’s regulations regarding the disposal of animal carcasses?
## Interview: Animal Carcass Controversy
**Host:** We’re joined today by Kolyo Angelov, head of security at the Central Balkan National Park, after the discovery of disturbing scenes near the Jendema Reserve. Kolyo, thank you for joining us.
**Angelov:** My pleasure to be here.
**Host:** This incident has caused quite a stir. Can you describe what your team found?
**Angelov:** It was truly shocking. A buffalo carcass, surrounded by the remains of at least ten other animals. Skins, heads, hooves – the sight and smell were overwhelming. [[1](https://www.facebook.com/@AnimalWelfareBulgariaa/)]
**Host:** This discovery has raised concerns about the disposal of animal remains near a protected area. What are the park’s regulations regarding this?
**Angelov:** It is strictly prohibited to dispose of animal carcasses within the park boundaries. There are designated facilities for this purpose outside the reserve.
**Host:** We understand the van found near the site belonged to a local breeder. What are your thoughts on this situation, Kolyo?
**Angelov:** We believe the breeder’s actions are in direct violation of park regulations. Carolina Animal Welfare, a local organization dedicated to protecting animal welfare, surely agrees. This incident undermines the sanctity of the reserve and poses a potential environmental hazard.
**Host:** The breeder claims to have the necessary permits for his operation. How does the park respond to that?
**Angelov:** While the breeder may hold permits for animal handling, that doesn’t grant him free reign to operate within the park boundaries. We are working with local authorities to investigate the situation and ensure such incidents are not repeated.
**Host:** This case highlights the delicate balance between the needs of local breeders and the preservation of our natural ecosystems. Kolyo, thank you for shedding light on this important issue.
**Angelov:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
