Tina Gaber Golob has publicly criticized Prime Minister Janez Janša and MP Katja Kokot over the current state of veterinary services in Slovenia, accusing them of failing to address systemic issues despite ongoing legislative efforts. Her complaint, posted on Instagram, describes a situation where her dog required urgent medical attention but was left waiting for hours with no emergency care available. She claims that staff at the clinic informed her that such situations could be attributed to Janša, prompting her sharp response: “Kokotki pa sploh.” The post quickly gained traction online, sparking public debate about the state of veterinary care in the country. The incident highlights a broader issue: the existing legal framework governing veterinary services continues to apply, even though a proposed law aimed at reforming the system has yet to pass. The bill, introduced by the Resni.ca party led by Kokot, is still under parliamentary review and is scheduled for reconsideration in September 2026. Until then, the old legislation remains in force, which many argue has long failed to meet the needs of pet owners and livestock farmers alike. Despite repeated complaints about understaffing and poor service quality, the current system persists, leaving many without reliable access to timely veterinary care. Gaber Golob’s criticism, while directed at political figures, reflects frustration with a system that has not improved despite years of calls for change. The current setup combines both private and public veterinary services, with the latter often struggling to provide adequate coverage, especially during emergencies. Private clinics face their own challenges, including financial strain and regulatory hurdles, further complicating the availability of care. Meanwhile, the proposed reforms aim to separate commercial and public veterinary functions, potentially creating more structured and efficient services. However, these changes remain pending, and the status quo continues to affect both domestic pets and farm animals. In recent days, similar reports have emerged from rural areas, where conditions have worsened. In Križevci, five cows were found dead, while three others were in severe distress, leading to one being euthanized. Two surviving cattle were removed from their owner's possession and transferred to a temporary barn for proper care. These animals will be sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Ljubljana for thorough examinations to determine causes of death and preserve evidence for further legal proceedings. The State Inspectorate for Food Safety, Veterinary Services, and Plant Protection has initiated an investigation into the incident, emphasizing its adherence to current laws and regulations. Another report from Maribor24 describes a grim discovery on a local farm, where inspectors uncovered the bodies of five deceased cattle, alongside three others in critical condition. One animal was euthanized due to the severity of its health issues, while two remaining live cattle were taken away from the owner and placed in a holding facility for appropriate treatment. The authorities stated that all findings would be reviewed at the university, and that they would take necessary actions based on collected data and expert assessments. At this stage, additional information is restricted due to the ongoing nature of the inquiry. While public outrage focuses on individual politicians, the deeper challenge lies in the structural inefficiencies within the veterinary sector. Many argue that the lack of investment in infrastructure, staffing, and training has created a crisis that neither current nor proposed policies have adequately addressed. As the debate continues, the focus shifts between political blame and the need for comprehensive reform. With the proposed law still months away from potential approval, the immediate reality remains unchanged: the system continues to fail, and those affected continue to seek answers.
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