EBEN 2020

AMBASSADORS CLUB OF EBEN BOOKLET 2020 41 STRAY.GR Stray animals There is no official data, but it is estimated that over 1M stray animals live in Greece – and their numbers increase exponentially, as more animals are abandoned (more than the rate of adoptions) and their breeding rates are fast. Εvery animal living on the street has an average lifespan of 1.5-2 years, while they should normally live over 10-15 years. Adopt, do not shop If you seriously think of getting a dog at home, choose saving a life. Mixed breeds are not less predictable or weaker than bred dogs - if anything, their genes are stronger.! If you adopt from a shelter, they will support you in the process and you can be certain of the dog’s character and health. The unique animal you will choose to save will never forget it and will thank you forever! Help your local shelter Almost all shelters in Greece are comprised of volunteers and have very difficult work in their hands: just think that every animal can cost thousands of euros for their veterinary care and accommodation. Volunteers are scarce and the financial means even more scarce. You can help with their fundraising efforts, or help as a volunteer, to the best of your abilities. Foster a dog Fostering a dog is of tremendous important for the animal and for the shelter. It increases its chances of adoption dramatically, while offering much needed help for the dog and dramatically improving the conditions of its life. It also saves money for the shelter and allows it to save more animals. Spay animals Spaying is the only way to control the population of animals suffering in the streets. It also helps animals live healthier, safer lives. It does not alter the dog’s personality or health prospects in any way, and in the Unites States or Europe it is very popular among all home pets. Demand a spaying program from your municipality Municipalities in Greece are legally responsible for stray animals within their vicinity. It is in their obligations to hold care and spaying programs for strays. If they do – use it: call them and demand help with an animal while never forgetting to follow up. Learn more about how they do their work: which vets they work with, which shelters, whether they have an adoption program. If your municipality does not run a program, remind them that it is their legal obligation to do so. Report abuse The law (4139/2012) in Greece is strict with active and passive abuse. With the legal amendments of 2020, animal abuse is now a felony with a sentence of 10 years. Constant tying an animal to a leash or keeping them in rooftops, the lack of proper veterinary care or protection from the elements, inappropriate food and water and a clean environment, not taking the dogs for daily walks are examples of passive abuse. In a case of abuse, take photos so that they can be used as evidence. If the animal’s life is in danger, call 100 and demand the immediate dispatch of the police. If the animal’s life is not in immediate danger, talk to the owner, and if it doesn’t work, make a report to the nearest police station and/ or the Veterinary Service of your Prefecture. Demand that a case is built using the evidence (photos etc.) you have collected and remind them that animal abuse is a crime for which payments on behalf of the plaintiff are not necessary. Stray.gr Stray.gr rescues dogs and cats from the street and provides relief, therapy to stray animals, placing priority on animals which are hurt or sick; it then promotes their adoption by suitable families. In 2020, Stray.gr succeeded in securing loving homes for over 68 stray dogs and cats. Stray Animals-Stray.gr is a non-profit organization which provides support to stray animals in the area of Attica, Greece. Since inception in 2003, Stray.gr has helped more than 2,500 stray animals in the wider area of Attica, without the help of any state support or funding and through the exclusive work of volunteers – the core team consists of no more than 15 persons. We are also the leading founder and active member of the Panhellenic Animal Welfare Federation, working hard on advocacy issues with the State and other institutional parties to change the legal and institutional framework for stray animals. Beyond field work, we engage actively in educational programs in schools and in raising public awareness.