Ravno Pole, Bulgaria — A heart-wrenching tragedy struck the quiet village of Ravno Pole on September 3, when Rojen, a service dog trained to assist a woman with severe diabetes, was fatally shot in the yard of his home. The incident has shocked the community and left the dog’s owner, Viktoria Alexandrova, devastated.
Rojen, a Labrador retriever, was not just a pet but a lifeline for Alexandrova, who relies on him to detect life-threatening hypoglycemic episodes. Trained over two years to recognize and respond to her diabetic crises, Rojen’s presence offered her a sense of security and independence.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of the morning. Alexandrova’s partner had let Rojen out into the yard, a routine part of their daily life. However, by 10 a.m., Rojen was found lifeless, the victim of a gunshot.
Investigations revealed that the dog had been shot with an air rifle, a weapon known for its silent but deadly impact. This has made it difficult for authorities to immediately track down the perpetrator.
“I’ve lost a part of me,” Alexandrova told local media, her voice trembling with grief. “Rojen wasn’t just a dog; he was my protector, my companion, and my lifeline. I can’t imagine how someone could be so heartless.”
The incident has raised concerns about safety in the village, with many suspecting that the shooter could be a local resident. Despite the shock and anger felt by Alexandrova and others in the community, the lack of clear evidence has so far hindered the investigation.
This is not the only such incident to have occurred in Ravno Pole recently. In a separate but similarly alarming case, a cat was shot in the neck. The cat’s owner has only suspicions about the culprit, but no concrete evidence has yet emerged. The shooting of Rojen and the cat have raised fears of an emerging pattern of animal cruelty in the village.
Grigor Gospodinov, the mayor of Ravno Pole, expressed deep concern over these disturbing events. “This is not just about the animals,” he said. “This is about the safety and well-being of our entire community. Such acts of cruelty are unacceptable, and we are working closely with the police to find those responsible.”
Gospodinov also highlighted a third case currently under investigation. In this instance, security camera footage captured a dog being shot from a car, adding to the growing unease in the village. Authorities are actively pursuing leads in all three cases, but the lack of direct evidence has complicated the investigations.
Residents of Ravno Pole are now on edge, with many questioning their safety and the motives behind these acts of violence. Local animal rights groups have called for increased vigilance and have urged residents to report any suspicious activity to the police.
As the investigation continues, the village of Ravno Pole remains united in grief and anger, hoping for justice for Rojen and the other animals that have fallen victim to these cruel acts.