Press Release: Panhellenic Animal Welfare

Successive meeting were held today (16-04-13) between our Association, the Municipality of Chania and the Municipality Police of Chania,  as well as the Public Prosecutors of Judges of Appeal and the Police Directorate of Chania, within the framework of our effort for the correct implementation of law 4039/2012, which refers to the protection of the stray and non-stray accompanying animals,  as well as the obligations of the their proprietors towards them.

More specifically, at the Municipality of the city a meeting took place in the morning with Mr. Manousos Manousakis, responsible Vice Mayor of the Municipality Police, Mrs. Stella Christinaki responsible for the stray animals of the Municipality, Mr. Nick Bobolakis, responsible for the Municipality Police and municipality policemen.

The meeting took place within the framework of the common effort of the Municipality, the Municipality Police and our Association to inform the citizens as concerns the animal issues, the distribution of relative pamphlet edited by the Municipality as concerns our responsibilities towards the animals and our fellow citizens

Following, another meeting took place with Mrs. Chrysogianni, Vice Public Prosecutor of Judges of Appeal of Western Crete, whom we would like to thank publicly for her immense contribution to our struggle against the animal violence and with Mr. Koutsaftakis, Head of the Police Directorate of Chania, as well as with other Police authorities.

On behalf of the Public Prosecutor and on the occasion of the circular that the Public Prosecution of the Supreme Court of Appeal edited after the relative demand of our federation, there was a report on the moral and legal obligation we have towards all living species of our planet as well as the responsibilities originating from the law as concerns the actions of the police authorities in case of animals maltreatments. The issue of the “Barrel-Dogs”, the known pestilence and the main reason of defamation of our island and country, was mentioned as well.

The Public Prosecutor emphasized the cases of pathetic animal maltreatment, which are criminal according to law 4039/12. Examples mentioned were the absence of shelter for the animals, the permanent chained dogs, the absence of exercise through the daily walks, the absence or unsuitability of food and water, the absence of health treatment. The necessity of feeding and watering of the stray animals by the citizens was also mentioned.

The Head of the Police Directorate of Chania Mr. Koutsaftakis declared that Police will do whatever needed to improve the situation in Crete and that the law will be of course applied. He also mentioned the necessity of informing the policemen about all sides of the law, as concerns the animals, so that this law will be applied successfully.

From our point of view the necessity of a systematic information of all citizens, children and authorities was emphasized, so that our attitude towards animals can change progressively but on the other hand the necessity of punishment in case of non-conformance to the law was also expressed.

We, being the Animals Welfare Association “The Protection of Animals” as well as the Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation, are trying to contribute as much as we can to the deletion of phenomena, which do not honor us, as Greeks and human beings, but on this issue the State should have the main role and not the simple citizens and volunteers

Anastasia Bobolaki,

President of:

The Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation and The Animal Welfare Association of Chania “The Protection of Animals”



Please help Arche Noah maintain their Food Bridge project

Dear friends of animals,

With the following I would like to address all those who have the project “food bridge” at heart.

The Food Bridge:

In the framework of the project “Food Bridge” initiated by Noah’s Ark Society large amounts of donated pet food, material and animal transport boxes, which are so very important for our Greek animal welfare associations, have been sent per container appr. 4 times a year from Germany to Crete.

To stop this project would be quite inconceivable –  and yet it is on the brink of failure. Since the retreat of one of the main supporters of the project, its future is totally unclear.

Without the support we have had so far the project can no longer be sustained in its former size due to lack of funding. In co-operation with Noah’s Ark we have to find solutions to keep it going.

Continue reading “Please help Arche Noah maintain their Food Bridge project”

A Tail of Three Tabies

We stopped on the way to Vrisses at an area to see some wild orchids that we knew grew on a piece of wasteland. Up a track appeared 3 kittens, we thought what a strange area for them to be in as there was nothing around & we concluded they had been abandoned.

They were very friendly & luckily we always carry cat biscuits in the car, we thought we could feed them but they did not have a clue about eating cat biscuits.

The 2 little boys we continued to visit and feed.  However we noticed over time that the tabby boy was not eating properly and he remained thin. He was desperate for fuss & petting, it was hard to leave them there alone.

We were very concerned as the 2 youngest looked thin and not in a good condition, we promised to come back the next day with some wet food. The next day only 2 were there but they were really pleased to see us and gorged as much as they possibly could. We stayed for a while and looked for the 3rd kitten, discovering then she was more timid because her front paw was completely missing, she was hobbling on 3 legs.Something had to be done the with the little female kitten & sadly the leg required amputation.

We contacted The Cats Pyjamas Rescue, Apokoronas who immediately offered their help. After a health check & parasite treatments they have fostered them for neutering , TLC & hopefully loving homes.

We were so elated that they did not have to return to an area of no hope. Our Greek friend Stella said she would take them to stay on her farm & it was decided the bigger of the 2 boys would be fine but his brother the little tabby would be too vulnerable as he loved human company so much. He has boundless love and affection to give.

Bumble in need

Bumble Update 08/03/13
The poor boy on his left side has a fractured pelvis broken in three places but the hip joint is intact with a large haematoma over the groin area no apparent nerve damage.  Our vet sought a second opinion with a an orthopaedic colleague in Athens after sedation this is what we did for him:

  • Stabilised the pelvis by bandaging, he will need cage rest for a month then another month to recover.
  • To avoid another anaesthetic he was castrated he is young approx. 1-2 years.
  • Ivermectin injection for ear mites & internal parasites.
  • Antibiotic injection to prevent infection.
  • Meloxicam oral 7 more days for pain & inflammation.
  • He already had Drontal & frontline for tapeworm & fleas.
  • He had a yummy tuna supper & is now tucked up warm in his basket on the heated floor

Bumble says a big thank you to those who have already donated towards his veterinary bills

Continue reading “Bumble in need”