Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environment Federation is requesting measures for animal adoptions in order to reduce the number of stray animals in the streets of Greece. They also accuse the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food of showing indifference on the issue.
As the president of the federation, Anastasia Bobolakis reported, the Greek government ignores their proposals for animal owners obligations, leading to the increase of stray animals and the profit of the illegal breeders.
The population of stray animals in Greece is estimated at 3 million. According to the president of the federation, the main causes of that phenomenon are three: the irresponsible owners who abandon their puppies and kittens, the introduction in Greece of at least 30,000 new animals every year from countries of the former Eastern Bloc and the illegal breeders. The exact number of illegal breeders is unknown, but they are estimated to thousands and they are not subjected to any control.
“Most common places where animals are left are trash cans, schools, farms and supermarkets. The abandonment of unwanted animals dominates throughout the country.” says Bobolakis adding that the high neutering costs intensify the problem. The Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environment Federation believes that owners of animals that give birth should sign a solemn declaration, that will also been signed by the person who adopts the animal and then it should be submitted to the competent municipality. If this process isn’t followed, authorities should impose fines.
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