We often get asked; Why save Greek animals? When there are so many needing homes in the UK? Well, we have actually helped dogs in the UK, but these are our reasons that we feel that we have to concentrate on help Greek animals that we are their only chance;
1. There are over 600,000 strays on the streets of Greece and this is increasing massively.
2. There are no major organisations in Greece that assist the strays, like we have in the RSPCA, PDSA, BATTERSEA DOGS HOME etc., etc.,
3. The Greek culture is quite firmly established, often with an attitude towards animals that views them as a nuisance, vermin, rabid, diseased, and sometimes little more than rubbish, however, we have to say, this culture is widespread, but there are many amazing, rescues and rescuers out there that are Greek, who work hard to assist the animals and change perceptions and many Greek members of the public, that strive to assist the animals to survive.
4. Greek Cultural beliefs against neutering; Sadly many Greek people believe that neutering the animals is unnatural and harmful to them, and oppose neutering very strongly, this causes thousands and thousands of unwanted 3animals to be born every single day. We try to promote neutering in partnership with many other organisations and volunteers, it is a slow process but are striving to achieve cultural change where ever possible.
5. Greece has great laws! But are rarely enforced.
6. The dire economic crisis that Greece has is causing impoverished families to ‘put out’ their own pets, due to not being able to afford to feed and keep them.
7. The animals that are starving obviously go to food sources, such as tavernas, and tourist areas, many tourists and some taverna staff help keep them alive by feeding them, but what happens in the winter? When no one is there for them? Also some anti-animal people in tourist areas, regularly use various methods to kill the animals, which often leaves them suffering a long slow death or leaves them disabled and or needing care that never comes!
8. Pre-conceived ideas, lead many Greek children to be brought up to believe that ‘ALL’ dogs have rabies, fleas and will bite! They are treated with disdain and fear, and as a result their plight is ignored.
9. The few rescues that do exist, usually have no funding whatsoever, from the government or any other body and find it difficult to impossible to fundraise among communities that view these animals, with such a negative way.
10. In Greece, a deceased or dying animal is not an uncommon sight, with people passing by and the animal invisible.
These are just some of the reasons that we fight to protect the animals in Greece, we know UK animals need homes too! But most of them, have the kindness, support and care that the UK offers through healthy culture and perspectives, that is improving all the time, their counterparts in Greece are simply desperate for a kind stroke and a regular meal.
