The Four Paws foundation and Bulgaria's National Railway Infrastructure Company will put up 315 posters on animal welfare at 282 stations in 147 municipalities, the foundation's press office says. The campaign starts on 5 October at 10:00, when the first posters go up in the waiting hall of Sofia Central Railway Station.

Put up in set spots around the stations, the posters will show people how to treat stray animals responsibly, clear up common myths, and tell people where to report strays. The two groups want people to know more, act more responsibly, and bring lasting change for stray animals.

Four Paws says conditions around stations are harsh, both from the weather and the surroundings, and the animals there go unnoticed by the public and the authorities. The group says the animals risk getting hurt or run over, because they are used to the noise of trains and often don't sense the danger of passing ones.

The foundation calls the railways a natural link between communities, regions and institutions, one that can actively back causes that matter to the public.

Plamen Dobrev, an engineer who heads the train traffic and capacity management unit, says abandoned animals often find shelter around stations, and it is usually rail staff and passengers who end up looking after them first.

"We back this campaign because we believe humane treatment, safety and clean stations are a key part of a modern, European look for our rail network," Dobrev said.

The foundation's therapy dogs Mickey and Smiley, certified under the "Animals Helping People" program, will also take part in the launch.

In April, on World Stray Animals Day, experts told BTA that people must act responsibly and not abandon their pets.