Compassion For Strays, Inc.
GREECE'S ANIMAL CRISIS
An "animal genocide, which is taking place in our country, with Greece having been turned into a vast graveyard of animals of all species."
​
These are the words of the Pan-Hellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation (PFPO), the largest animal welfare organization in Greece consisting of over 60 members. For any animal lover, this is an extremely distressing topic, but please continue to read to inform yourself of what is happening. Only by being informed can we take action to help the sad and desperate plight of more than 3 million stray cats and dogs struggling to survive and subjected to horrific cruelty. My voice is only a whisper, but together we can create a deafening roar that cannot be ignored by the Greek government and its people.
​
The torture of animals, including cats and dogs, is commonplace and involves "poisoning, hanging, drowning, burning, crushing, beheading, mutilation et., which seems to have taken the dimensions of a plague and is crossing uncontrollably the red line of even the basic norms of judgment and morality." Every day, the PFPO receives "reports of heinous abuse cases" in which "thousands of animals find traffic death with the aforementioned abominable ways" while the Greek Government fails to address these issues and perpetrators are rarely punished.
​
Below you can read the letter in its entirety.
WEDNESDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER, 2020
To: President of the European Commission
Ms Ursula von der Leyen
Subject: Reports of heinous animal abuse in Greece
Dear Ms Ursula von der Leyen,
This letter should not be necessary and extremely urgent in a healthy society. However, we consider the need to inform you absolutely essential and we kindly request for your own actions.
We refer to the phenomenon of active abuse of animals by torture in our country, such as poisoning, hanging, drowning, burning, crushing, beheading, mutilation, etc., which seems to have taken the dimensions of a plague and is crossing uncontrollably the red line of even the basic norms of judgment and morality.
Our Organization receives reports of heinous abuse cases daily. Every year in Greece thousands of animals find tragic death with the aforementioned abominable ways without any Government taking steps to put an end to the killings of thousands of animals of all species, despite our repeated protests.
Very few of these cases reach justice but even these few impose without deprivation of liberty and the killers are left free to return home immediately.
We provide below some indicative cases to allow you to have an overview of what is happening in Greece of 2020 and Europe:
https://www.zoosos.gr/rethymno-kremase-skylo-se-dentro-sto-risvan-metochi/#ixzz6XLTCK6Bj
Repeated incidents of extreme abuse and killing of animals, which, while they should worry our Governments, in practice what we see is indifference, as if this situation does not concern the whole of society. As if it does not concern the global outcry we receive as people.
Scientific research has already proven that there is relevance and connection between animal abuse and domestic violence incidents, and it is known that well-known killers known for the brutality with which they tortured and killed their victims had per-existed as killers and animal torturers from a very young age.
So what are the reasons that the Greek society, the citizens of our country, the citizens of a European state, tend to look “savage” by shamefully lowering the bar of morality, strongly showing their lack of education, being indifferent to the law, continuing with the dehumanization of our society as if they are not doing something wrong, and all this is taking place uncontrollably in front of a State that does not even seem to be an observer of this crisis?
We are being challenged by serious national and global issues and we disintegrate the name of our country with criminal behaviors towards defenseless creatures, something that is not in line with the Greek spirit and our place in history, but rightfully makes us appear as shameful and dangerous.
It is not possible to blame the morphology of our country, the climate, the soil or the air. The responsibilities of the State are great, but the State at first seems to ignore, but even when it sees under pressure, it continues to remain sadly immobilized.
For all the above reasons, we reach out to you and we kindly request that you urge the Greek Government to take immediate drastic measures, such as the creation of Animal Police, enforce severe penalties, inform the public etc., In order to stop this animal genocide, which is taking place in our country, with Greece having been turned into a vast graveyard of animals of all species.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely,
Pan-Hellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation
(Reprinted with permission from the PFPO)
​
​​
​The following is my story of events that led me to founding Save Greek Cats and Dogs, Inc.
​​
In November 2023, I embarked on a month-long journey across Greece, excited about my first holiday in this picturesque country. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the stark reality veiled behind the postcard-perfect scenes. Confronted with a silent crisis of staggering neglect, abandonment, and suffering, I found myself overwhelmed and devastated. This traumatic experience catalyzed the inception of Save Greek Cats and Dogs, Inc.—born from a fervent desire to help Greece's stray animals.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​For a devoted animal lover like me, I could not ignore their suffering. In the gaze of these animals, I saw despair, hopelessness, and suffering- a challenge to the dismissive notion of their "freedom" and "good life" touted by some locals. Emaciated cats and dogs rifled through garbage on the ground or in dumpsters; cats and dogs begged at the feet of outdoor diners, eyes pleading for scraps of food; and ravenous dogs crawled sideways through a gap underneath a mesh cage covering dumpsters to lick empty food containers. While locals in certain regions do provide food for stray animals, these offerings can be sporadic, particularly during the off-peak tourist season. Sadly, this often leads to numerous animals facing starvation.
The dire conditions most strays endure—afflicted with diseases, injuries, and malnutrition—underscore the magnitude of their suffering. My heart ached at the sight of animals in pain, limping with swollen paws or legs, struggling with each step. The longer I stayed in Greece, the more I realized the appalling cruelty these animals are subjected to. The tragedy of a mother dog and her puppies abandoned in Santorini epitomized the crisis for me. Efforts to find help were met with the stark reality of overwhelmed shelters reliant on the support of few volunteers. Worse still, I discovered the disturbing practice of intentional animal abandonment and starvation.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
This is not just a local issue; it is call to action for those who dream of a world where every animal is cherished and protected. The animal crisis in Greece is severe, with estimates of over 3 million stray cats and dogs, yet surprisingly it continues to receive little media coverage.
Although this trip broke my heart every day, it also fortified my resolve to act, and my commitment to this cause has never been stronger. I hope you will join with me to help save Greece's cats and dogs.
Actions you can take to help save Greek cats and dogs:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​​​​​​​​​​​
​
From the bustling streets of Athens to the tranquil villages and enchanting islands, a consistent and heart-wrenching sight is evident for those willing to see: a desperate fight for survival fought by millions of cats and dogs who are deprived of life's basic necessities-food, water, shelter, and veterinary care.
The lives of cats and dogs are made harder by the absence of warm shelters and protection from the rain, cold wind, and extremes of temperatures. I witnessed cats crouching on the concrete, trying to conserve body heat, or lying in potted plants or on coiled-up garden hoses, door mats, pieces of cardboard, even awnings. I wanted to save them all, but I had to console myself with feeding them and building makeshift beds. Scavenging cardboard boxes from businesses or dumpsters, I wrapped them in black garbage bags to protect them from the rain, and bought cushions from pet shops to put inside them.
Dogs are often abandoned in a shocking state. This dog was eventually rescued, but, sadly, not before many people had driven by and ignored her
Rescue of a dog dumped in the mountains of Meteroa, Greece
Donate to reputable organizations: Support Save Greek Cats and Dogs, Inc. or other organizations like the Pan-Hellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation (PFPO), local shelters, or animal rescue groups that work directly with stray animals in Greece.
Foster or adopt: Consider fostering or adopting a cat or dog from Greece through international adoption programs or local shelters that specialize in rehoming animals from abroad.
Spread awareness: Share the plight of stray animals in Greece son social media so we can reach as many people as possible to raise awareness of the issue. Follow, share and like Save Greek Cats and Dogs, In.c on youtube, facebook, instagram and titok (coming soon).
Volunteer remotely: Offer your skills on a voluntary basis remotely, such as graphic design, social media management, or translation services, to help us reach a wider audience in Greece and the rest of the world.
Advocate for change: Contact Greek authorities and policymakers urging them to conduct nationwide sterilization programs for all stray cats and dogs, and to strengthen animal welfare laws and enforce penalties for animal cruelty.
Fundraising: Organize or participate in fundraising events arranged by Save Greek Cats and Dogs, Inc., or other animal shelters and rescues helping cats and dogs in Greece.
Educate yourself: Learn more about the challenges faced by stray animals in Greece and educate yourself on humane methods of population control and animal welfare practices.
Support local initiatives: Encourage and support local communities in Greece that are implementing trap-neuter-release programs and other humane solutions to manage stray animal populations.
Shop responsibly: Purchase products from companies that support animal welfare organizations or donate a portion of their proceeds to Greek animal rescue organizations.
Visit and volunteer in Greece: If possible, visit Greece and volunteer at local animal shelters, such as Takis Shelter in Crete, or participate in community outreach programs focused on animal welfare, such as initiatives organized by the Pan-Hellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation.
