🇷🇸How Dona the Dog became a symbol of Serbian protests
Dona the stray dog has become a powerful symbol of resistance, uniting Serbians against corruption and systemic injustice.
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In recent weeks, Serbia has been shaken by massive protests against government corruption and abuse of power. However, amid the political struggle, an unexpected symbol of resistance and unity has emerged—the stray dog Dona.
Her tragic death during a student-led demonstration in Novi Sad has sparked strong reactions and has become a reminder of mismanagement, violence, and oppression in Serbia.
Dona was a beloved stray dog among many residents of Novi Sad, the capital of the autonomous province of Vojvodina in northern Serbia. She was known for wandering freely and being part of the city's street life.
According to animal rights activists in Serbia, there continue to be significant issues regarding animal rights and welfare, with stray dogs often being left without care and frequently being subjected to deadly violence and injuries with no legal consequences.
As the demonstrations began to take shape in November and December 2024, it became common to see Dona and other stray dogs among the protesters, who, in turn, came to see Dona as part of their community.
On January 24, 2025, during a large demonstration, Dona was run over by an ambulance that, according to witnesses, was driving at high speed without emergency lights on. Despite activists' attempts to save her by rushing her to a veterinary clinic, she died from her injuries.
Her death quickly sparked anger and sorrow. Many saw the incident as more than just an accident—they saw her as a symbol of how the regime treats both people and animals with injustice and without respect.
Across the streets of Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other cities, demonstrators have gathered to honour her memory, observe moments of silence, and create spontaneous memorial sites with flowers and candles.
There are also suspicions that the authorities may have used ambulances deliberately to create chaos among the demonstrators. Witnesses claim that several ambulances suddenly drove straight into the crowd without sirens or warning lights.
Evidence suggests that the vehicle that ran over Dona belonged to a state-run and not a regional medical institution, and an investigation is underway regarding the driver's responsibility.
Dona has now also become an icon of the protests, an innocent being who fell victim to a system marked by abuse and violence. Several activists have called for a monument to be erected in her memory, reminding her of the fight for a fairer, more democratic, and more humane society.
In Serbia, Dona's story demonstrates how a seemingly minor event can take on great significance and symbolism in times of crisis and inspire those around them.
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