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Speaking out for Greek animal welfare
OVER THE last three years, the majority of animal welfare associations in Greece has been subjected to an organised
attack from an organisation known as the Confederation of Greek Animal Welfare Associations. According to information submitted
in a court brief by their representative, Ioanna Garagouni, this confederation represents a mere 12 of the 140 associations
throughout the country. To the authorities, however, Mrs Garagouni maintains that she is the only formal representative of
the animal welfare movement in Greece.
Mrs Garagouni and her associations regard animal protection as the exclusive right of local government bodies, maintaining
that animal lovers have no right to act in this sphere and she denounces as illegal all animal welfare associations who collect
stray animals and offer them to families for adoption.
As a result of the actions and allegations made by the above group, the Greek state has been driven to measures that are
marginal in terms of legality, that explicitly violate the individual freedoms and rights of animal-loving citizens who are
arrested, libelled and slandered, subjected to disdain and forced to become involved in lengthy judicial battles.
The decisions of the Greek justice system, which eventually vindicate the animal welfare volunteers involved in such battles,
do not see the light of publicity, something that is exploited to the limit by the opposition.
We mention two typical cases which continue to feature in the media as "illegal export of animals". The first relates to
the transport of 58 animals by the association Noah's Ark in February 2005. On the order of the public prosecutor at the court
of Piraeus (EG22-05/118/206/24-3-05), the three Noah's Ark volunteers were acquitted of all charges against them and the confiscated
animals were ordered to be returned to the group on the grounds that the animals were intended for adoption in Europe and
conditions of transport conformed with the law.
A second example is the confiscation, in July 2005, of seven animals being transported from Chios to Denmark. The decision
of the Piraeus court (AM 5711/2005) acquitted the two defendants of the charge of trading in animals without the required
authority and the confiscated animals were ordered to be returned to their Danish owner. It is worth noting that Mrs Ioanna
Garagouni, who had been named as custodian of the animals, refused to return them, with the result that an indictment has
been issued against her for penal offences. The whereabouts of the seven animals is currently unknown.
At the same time as animal welfare associations are accused of illegal collection and custody of animals and of trading
in animals, the responsible authorities, influenced by claims made by the confederation, proceed to carry out directives that
are either not forecast, or are even prohibited, by the law. The Greek Veterinary Association denies citizens the right to
register more than two animals in their name. Airline companies deny passengers the right to travel with more than two animals,
and veterinarians are subject to directives that compel them to provide the personal details of customers who ask for pet
passports, ie are called on to infringe their professional code of confidentiality.
We denounce the actions of the confederation and request that the ministry of rural development check its legality and
the authenticity of its authority to represent animal welfare, in order to establish that the confederation does not express
the views of the majority of animal welfare workers in Greece.
Signed by 53 animal welfare societies
Archaic Society for the Care of Animals, Patras; AFIPA Greece, Athens; "Aesops" Friends of the
Animals, Kavala; Animal Welfare Association, Lesvos; "SOZO" Animal Welfare Association of Xanthi;
Apma, Belgium; "Argos", Thessaloniki; Friends of the Animals, Chios; Cornwall's Voice
for Animals, England; Animal Welfare Association, Crete; Volunteers for the Protection of Stray
Animals, Saronida; Animal Welfare Association, Kastoria; Friends of the Animals and the Environment,
Kos; Friends of the Animals, Nea Makri; Association of Friends of Animals, Ermionida; Friends
of Animals, Rethymno; Frontida Zoon, Athens; Greek Animal Rescue, UK; Greek Animal
Rescue, Canada; Animal Welfare Association, Kalamata; Kefalonia Animal Trust, Kefalonia;
KiDi Zo, Ioannina; Animal Welfare Association, Lefkada; Animal Welfare Association, Rhodes;
Animal Welfare Association, Santorini; Skiathos Dog Shelter, Skiathos; Protection of Animals
and Nature, Skopelos; SOS Strays, Vrilissia; "The Ark", Corfu; The Society for the Support
of the Animal Shelter of the University of Patras; Animal Welfare Association, Zakynthos; SPAZ, Glyfada;
Friends of the Cats, Athens; Animal Welfare Ecological Association "Together We Can"; Association
for the Welfare of the Greek Cat; Association of Friends of Stray Dogs and Cats Nea Michanionas; Association
for Sheltering and Protecting Stray Animals - Stray.gr; Animal Welfare Association of Panorama; Animal Welfare,
Mountaineering and Ecological Union; Animal Welfare Association "Man and Animals"; Animal Welfare Association
Asprovaltas "Odysseus"; Animal Welfare Association Menemenis "Phoebos"; "Argos" Panhellenic Association of Friends
of the Animals; Committee for the Protection of Stray Animals in Psyhico Municipality; Animal Welfare Association
of Ilioupoli; Kifissia Friends of the Animals Association for Animal Rights and Protection; Friends of the Animals
Ag Theodoron, Korinthia; Animal Welfare Association of Serres; Animal Welfare Association in Thessaloniki
"I Agapi"; Pancretan Association for the Protection of Animals "Noah's Ark"; Association for the Protection
of Aegina Animals "Respect to Animals"; Animal Welfare Association of Salamina "ZOES"; Animal Welfare Association
of Argyroupoli "Imittos"
ATHENS NEWS , 21/04/2006, page: A13
Article code: C13179A131
Letters to the editor
Unfounded allegations wound Greek strays
AS A long-time friend of and frequent visitor to Greece, I write on behalf of animal lovers and of suffering and
neglected strays throughout Greece - strays that a certain group of so-called animal lovers is working hard to keep in Greece
to "die for the nation".
This group has confiscated dogs, papers, documents, played the part of public prosecutors and commanded police to arrest
innocent people, justifying these actions by claiming that the dogs in question were to be send abroad for experiments. These
allegations, against foreign individuals and recognised animal welfare organisations, are slanderous and false. This group
has never presented any evidence for its claims. And the unfounded allegations have served only one purpose - masking and
diverting attention from the animal welfare problems in Greece.
Greek animals are used for experiments - experiments that are done in Greece, right on the doorsteps of those who
make these claims. Experiments like: How long does it take for a dog to die without having access to food and water? How long
does it take for an animal to die from poisoning? And how long does it take for kittens or puppies to suffocate in plastic
bags thrown into the dustbins?
I could show the people who make these claims photos of poisoned cats and dogs, pictures of animals living their whole
lives chained up, and of starving, maltreated cats. But they would probably accuse me of having staged the photos myself,
as they did when they saw photos of ex-Greek strays in loving new homes presented to them by charities who rehome dogs abroad.
Obviously some so-called Greek animal lovers, who claim only to have the welfare of animals at heart, find it difficult
to comprehend that there are compassionate people living abroad who show interest in animals, and work for a cause without
financial gain.
I wonder where this group of Greek animal lovers were when Greece was to take over the European Presidency in January 2003,
and dozens of dogs and cats were poisoned in the National Gardens. I wonder why they have done nothing to alleviate the dreadful
conditions revealed in the Greek media at the shelter near Thessaloniki nicknamed the "dogs' Auschwitz". Why they seem to
have put no effort into implementing any of the other articles of law 3170 for companion and stray animals. Why they did not
protest when the pre-Olympic poisonings took place, or during the March 2005 spate of poisonings around Attica.
But they were there on 27 February 2005 at Piraeus port, confiscating 58 dogs from Arche Noah that were on their way to
homes in Germany and Holland, claiming that they were being sent to laboratories. Arche Noah was taken to court.
On 23 July 2005 the harbour was the scene of a similar scenario. A Norwegian woman was arrested for travelling with seven
dogs en route to Denmark. The Norwegian woman was imprisoned for 36 hours and the seven dogs sent to a kennel.
Arche Noah was cleared of all the charges. The papers were found in order and the dogs were released [to continue to Holland
and Germany, where they have now been united with their new families]. The Norwegian woman was also cleared. The papers were
in order and it was ruled that the dogs were travelling legally. The court ordered the release of the seven dogs.
Although the confiscations were publicised by the group of alleged animal lovers, they seem to have "forgotten" to mention
the court decisions.
Clearly the Greeks are unable to care for and to deal with their overpopulation of animals. Yet, oddly enough, they are
letting a group of people armed only with unfounded allegations to stop compassionate people from other countries from helping
them to do so.
A Jensen Denmark
ATHENS NEWS , 31/03/2006, page: A18
Noah’s Ark in Crete
The authorities in Crete continue to try to find reasons to prevent
the well thought of animal welfare organisation, Noah’s Ark, Crete, from operating. Research conducted by Epsilon, that
is completely unjustified.
The efforts of volunteers in Chania to protect animals has gone on for many years and been very successful.
In 1990 the local public shelter for strays operated in an area provided by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the
Veterinary Service was responsible for the running of the shelter. About three years ago, changes in the law resulted in the
responsibility being passed over to local authorities and animal welfare bodies. The running of the Chania shelter was taken
over by the Animal Welfare Group of Chania with the German woman, Silke Vrobel, as President and the shelter co-operated with
and was financed by the German organisation, Noah’s Ark.
In 1998, the veterinarian Thomas Busch visited Chania together with some of his colleagues in order
to care for the animals. Returning to Germany he founded, together with compatriots who had visited Crete and who had been
appalled by the lack of concern [for animals], the organisation "Noah’s Ark – Crete". The organisation, which
today numbers approximately 1,200 German members, funded Mrs Vrobel’s work.
In June 2002, the members of the German organisation decided to undertake the running of the animal
shelter themselves. In order to be officially recognised in Crete, those involved founded, with the participation of both
foreigners and locals, the Cretan Organisation for Animal Protection, " Noah’s Ark".
And so things began. The President of Noah’s Ark, Kostoula Dornbrach-Stroupi, an architect, who
had just returned from Germany as a pensioner, undertook to improve conditions at the shelter which were appalling. With this
aim, a total of 146,000 euro was spent on work, which took place over many months. At the opening of the shelter the then
deputy Mayor, Mr Archontakis, symbolically handed over the keys to Thomas Busch.
The original building was doubled in size. The internal enclosures communicate with exterior space,
so that the animals can move around freely. Floors and walls were tiled and automatic water systems installed, which the four-leggeds
can operate themselves. Grates allow drainage of waste matter", explained Mrs Stoupi, showing us photographs of how things
were previously.
"The windows have an automatic opening system in order to allow in regular fresh air, while the double
roof provides good insulation. In addition, there is central heating.
We visited the kitchen, the surgery and saw the amazing file of photographs of dogs, with details of
their medical history and also spoke with the staff who are there on a 24 hour basis.
The money required for the shelter to become so impressive was provided by the German organisation
and many of its members offered voluntary work.
The Ark and the members of the German organisation, apart from caring for strays and owned animals,
dogs and cats, unwanted by their owners, also care for donkeys and even on occasion cows thrown on the rubbish dump.
Since January 2003, Noah’s Ark has sterilised more than 3000 animals and supports a continual
campaign to inform citizens on subjects relating to animals. Members feed strays and offer them medical care, intervene in
accusations of animal mistreatment and take legal action when necessary. They give animals up for adoption to families in
both Greece and Germany and above all have managed to persuade those who in the past put their newborn puppies and kittens
in a rubbish bag in order to dispose of them to take them to the shelter on the provision that the dog or cat is sterilised.
This they achieved, among other means, by putting stickers on rubbish bins. "They bring us the
animals as soon as they are born. We ask them to keep them for about two months until they are weaned and then to bring them
back to us together with the mother, in order for her to be sterilised free of charge, if their financial circumstances prevent
them from going to the vet of their own choice", volunteer Jennie Williams explained to us.
With their continuing efforts, the animal lovers of Crete have added another plus to the beautiful
narrow streets of the town: they don’t have strays! And the small number who do wander the streets are healthy, well
fed and sterilised.
2nd article (in the same supplement of Eleftherotypia newspaper)
Made homeless by the State
Marks for good performance don’t go only to the animal welfare organisations. Their work
also reflects well on the local authorities in Chania. This is nfortunate really, as it appears from their actions that
the authorities do not wish Noah’s Ark work to continue. The director of the Chania Veterinary Service, Mr Tsigounakis,
advised the Ministry of Agricultural Development that the land the shelter occupies is no longer required. A building regulation
infringement on the part of the organisation has resulted in them being fined 12,000 Euro and makes their situation more difficult
since it enables the responsible government employees to exercise their authority to the limits, following the letter of the
law and overlooking the fact that considerable funds have been invested in the shelter and the organisation is doing work
that should be undertaken by the government.
The Ark has had their papers requesting a license to operate, submitted to the Veterinary Department
of Chania from June 2004, as defined by the law and within the required time limit. Up until then, the shelter operated legally
under the 1993 Ministerial Decision in which it was not required to apply for a license. The return of the land and the fine
from the Planning Department resulted in the Veterinary Department refusing permission for the German vets to work at the
shelter since it is now classed as "illegal."
On the other hand, only a few Greek vets on Crete assist Noah’s Ark (as they regard them
as competition) - as if everybody has the money to sterilise their animals. "We asked the Greek vets to lower the price for
sterilisations by a third. We would pay a third of the cost ourselves and the rest would be paid by the owners", Mrs Stoupi
explained to us, "but it didn’t happen."
The thing that generates the most anger: voluntary work by vets from the European Organisation
for Protection of Animals and the Environment is forbidden. With more than 60,000 members), these vets offer medical and pharmaceutical
care to animals all over Europe.
"This has only happened to us in Greece." Norbet Gounster the advisor for ETN told us. "In all
other European countries that our vets have visited, in order to help strays free of charge, for example in Spain and Portugal,
they have welcomed us with open arms and given us permission to administer medical and surgical aid".
Despite our attempts we did not manage to get in touch with either Mr Tsigounakis or the Local
Government Prefect, Mr Katsanevakis, to discuss the subject. They promised us that the deputy local government of
Despite our attempts, we did not manage to get in touch with either Mr Tsigounakis or the Local
Government Prefect, Mr Katsanevakis, to discuss the subject. They promised us that the deputy local government officer would
contact us, but even this did not happen. This is a shame because it meant that we did not get answers to the following questions:
Why did the Veterinary Department of Chania return the use of the land to the Elias Institute when
they know that it has operated as a shelter for years, a shelter which the Department itself founded?
Why, while in accordance with the ministerial decision – a license was not needed for a shelter
to operate until December 2003, did the Veterinary Department ask Noah’s Ark for their license to found a shelter?
Why has the local authority not yet co-operated with local organisations in the area in order to
implement the Catch-Neuter-Release programme, as laid down in law 3170 passed in 2003, since Noah’s Ark has requested
this co-operation enough times in the past both in writing and via the press?
Representatives from the local government authorities have not even made the effort to visit the
shelter in order to ascertain the quality of the set up or the work that is being undertaken.?
Dog confiscation continues
ON JULY 23, seven puppies were confiscated at Piraeus harbour by police acting on behalf of a group named the Coalition
of Animal Welfare Societies in Greece. The dogs had arrived at the port on board the vessel "Mytiline" from Chios, and were
destined for Denmark. Ioanna Karagouni, who allegedly represents 20 unnamed societies that believe Greek strays are being
shipped abroad to be used in the pharmaceutical and fur industries, claims that the animals were not travelling legally. The
puppies will be kept in kennels until the case comes to court in October.
In February, Karagouni made the same claims against the Cretan-based Arche Noah group, causing 58 dogs the society was
transporting to homes in Germany and Holland to be put into kennels near Athens for a month. A public prosecutor cleared Arche
Noah of all Karagouni's charges, found the paperwork to be in order and legally released the animals to continue their journey.
They were united with their new owners by March 31. Karagouni lost a similar case, involving six puppies en route for Belgium,
in March 2004.
ATHENS NEWS , 29/07/2005, page: A10
Article code: C13141A103
It happened again, Karagouni once more managed to stop 7 dogs from going to their new and loving homes in Denmark
by telling her vicious lies. 7 dogs from Chios were on the way to Athens airport, but got stopped on the arrival
in the port of Piraeus by Karagouni and the police.
Line, the norweigian girl who had kindly offered to transport our dogs to the airport where Helene from
our organisation (Graeksehunde) would meet her, was taken to the police station where she was forced to spend
the
night, scared and alone, not knowing what was going on.
Meanwhile Karagouni was insisting that Line was trading these dogs for medicinal purposes etc, and refused
to let the police release Line or the dogs. The dogs where forced to stay on the boat for about 10 hours
before they
came out, obviously looking distressed and thirsty after this long and unescesarry stay caused by Karagounis
lies.
Finally the dogs were taken to a private kennel, and Line was forced to spend a night in the police station
not knowing why under not good conditions (food, toilet paper or even a bed sheet to sleep). Line was finally
released Sunday afternoon 36 hours after she was stopped. Karagouni managed to say to Line that obviously
these dogs was for Line just like Souvlaki, but for her and the greek people they were life.
All the dogs had passports, microchip and were vaccinated. They are 2 adults and 5 puppies 4-5 months
old.
Line was realeased but with a court date in October which means that the dog now have to stay in Greece until
then, if Karagouni gets her way. Today Anna from Chios, the owner of the 7 dogs is arrested and will come to Athens
with the charges that she had not given written permission to Line to transport her dogs by boat. Since
they were more than two a written permission had to be obtained according to her.
Graeksehunde
Please sign our petition to help us free our dogs in Pireaus!
Thank you!!!
Graeske Hunde
Denmark
The 'press release' below, although signed by the President of the Epirus branch of
the Greek Veterinary Society, was undoubtedly written by Panos (Panagiotis) Zois, and then posted on the tetrapodologein website
(marked 'urgent!') which, as many of you know, backs Garagouni's antics and opposes foreign adoptions of Greek strays. Panos
joined the 'tetrapodologein team' more than a year ago, which came as a great shock to me, because two years ago, when
in the UK on a training programme, he visited us and our then 6 (now 7) rescued 'Greekies', including Bonnie, whom he himself
had rescued, having found her collapsed by the roadside, with half of her hind left leg missing. He also came to a fund-raising
event in Brentwood, where he met another dozen or so ex-strays from Greece, all 'smiling' happily ..... Panos couldn't stop
smiling either, he was quite overwhelmed and he took lots of pictures, which he later put in the window of his surgery in
Ioannina. He even had the photos published in a local Ioannina magazine, accompanied by an article he wrote, praising GAR's
work. So what happened to 'that' Panos and why would he decide to join the 'anti-foreigners' brigade?? Well, we
know how it all began, but it's not worth going into all the details - suffice to say that his opinions have been influenced
by those who made him feel important. Unfortunately he hasn't won any friends and influence among those who actually undertake
animal welfare and rescue work in Greece.
It's ironic that Panos should write about 'mandatory testing' of dogs for Leishmaniasis
(commonly known as Kala-azar, whose vector is a tiny sandfly), Erhlichiosis (tick-borne disease) and Dirofilaria (heartworm),
considering that he didn't think it necessary for Bonnie to have a test for Dirofilaria, claiming that she 'didn't have it'.
Well, she DID, though we didn't know that she was infected for more than a year after her arrival in the UK and even then
it was only by chance. I suspected that 'something' was not quite right (she looked lethargic, her coat was dull etc)
and when I took her to the vet, he put a couple of drops of her blood under the microscope ... to my horror, I saw wriggly
little 'worms' swimming in the blood. Bonnie was treated successfully, but if she had been tested while she was still in Greece,
the treatment could have been carried out much sooner, preventing possible damage to the heart. Although not required
by Greek law, GAR has always tested its dogs for Leishmaniasis and also tests for Erhlichiosis. In fact dogs are checked twice
- once when they are found and again 6 months later, when their quarantine period in Greece is completed and they are
ready to travel to the UK.
I'm sorry to have rambled on, but it goes to show what we are up against .... when a friend
becomes a foe ...
Regards,
Vesna
Press Release from the Pan Hellenic Veterinary Association (Epirus Branch)
After:
1) being made aware of the recent incident on Sunday 27/2/2005 at the port of Piraeus, when citizens prevented
the attempts of foreign citizens, members of a Cretan association, to export stray animals without the legal paperwork required
by law No. 3170/03 and Ministerial Decision No. 280239/03
2) and listening to the [subsequent] uproar that has arisen among animal
welfare workers
3) and having followed the rumble of
reports that continue unabated in both the domestic and foreign press (in printed and electronic form)
4) and the continuing
rumours relating to the above incident, according to which "strays and mixed breed four leggeds are not preferred (and
consequently this excludes their use)
by research centres or institutes for vivisection because
their genetic material is unknown and thus
the animals of choice are those bred specifically for the purpose in order to
ensure reliable research results ",
with a sense of responsibility arising from our scientific and moral conscience and with the sole
aim of informing the public, we, as representatives of an accountable scientific
institution in Greece, proceed with
the following Press Bulletin and inform
you that:
1) The use of (either pure breed or mixed breed) animals
in experiments is in absolute conflict with our scientific and moral views when such experiments take place outside the
legal framework.
2) We confirm that large numbers of dogs used as guinea-pigs in EU research centres do indeed belong to
a specific breed. With regard to the use, or not, of other breeds of dog, or mixed race dogs for experimental aims,
we declare that to our knowledge there has been no such use in Greece.
We consider, however, the categorical statement that "strays could
not be used as guinea-pigs because their genetic material is unknown ", lacking in scientific basis and
documentation, because according to our specialised scientific knowledge: the anatomical, functional, histological
and biochemical features of ALL breeds of dogs (and cross breeds i.e. mixed breeds) are SIMILAR, with the exception of the
Dalmatian breed that differs in one biochemical parameter. Consequently, we consider
it possible to use any pure breed or mixed breed dog for experimental aims.
Finally, bearing
in mind all of the above, as well
as information and data from printed and electronic press regarding the probable use of pure dogs of various breeds or mixed breeds for experimental and other illegal aims, we call
on:
The Political Leadership, in its entirety, but more specifically the Prime Minister and Minister of
Culture , Mr K. Karamanlis, and the Ministry of Rural Growth and Foods to immediately implement the relevant Law 3170/2003 (and the Ministerial Decisions which clarify the law) as this law currently remains completely unapplied .
In addition to the application of the existing Law, we ask that more strict conditions be included in Ministerial Decision 280239/03 in regard to the supporting documents required for the export of stray animals.
In particular: a. Mandatory blood
testing of exported dogs for the illnesses Leishmaniasis, Dirofilaria
and Erhlichiosis since these particular
illnesses are observed in our country in large numbers; b. The application of strict penal sentences in the case of attempts to export animals without the documentation required by Ministerial Decision 280239/03;
and g. The creation of an electronic data base at the Ministry of Rural Growth and Foods for each
animal sent abroad for adoption – the records to be kept for a duration of at least 10 years for each animal.
2) Animal welfare organisations that direct Greek strays to EU countries for adoption must METICULOUSLY observe Greek Law in order to safeguard their integrity and good
name. Similarly, we also call upon all animal welfare organisations to promote adoption of strays inside the country
in order to illustrate the necessary concern and responsibility.
Ioannina, 13-4-2005
For the Pan-Hellenic Veterinary Association (Epirus branch):
Chairman:
HOVOLOS THEODOROS –Veterinary Surgeon
(University of Thessaloniki)
The General Secretary:
ZOIS PANAGIOTIS
–Veterinary Surgeon (University of Thessaloniki)
The Members:
MITSI CLEIO –Veterinary Surgeon (University
of Thessaloniki)
KYRIAKOPOU LOS KONSTANTINOS –Veterinary
Surgeon (University of Thessaloniki)
CHRISOHOOU DI MITRIOS –Veterinary Surgeon
(University of Thessaloniki)
To read about the release and journey of the 58 dogs to their new homes in Germany by clicking on each of the links
below; it will warm your heart and soul!
For more information and updates on this situation hindering animal rescuers trying to rehome strays
of Greece, please bookmark this site and visit it periodically: http://www.archenoah-kreta.com/
This situation gets more ridiculous by the day; here's an article that appeared in one of the Greek newspapers on March
27th .... we are all totally perplexed by these slanderous accusations and do not understand why anyone in authority isn't
getting to the bottom of this.
=================================================================
(From the newspaper Kathimerini March 27 2005) By George Frantzeskakis
k9mailbox@yahoo.comPet Trafficking or in other words the strays at the service of the global industry A case that leaves behind
traces of blood ... Have you ever wondered about the value of the animal that you just came across? Not in terms
of emotional "chips" but in terms of Euros. The stray animal is an untiring worker of the global industry. Pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics, weapons, furs and the list has no end. And in all of these gigantic assembly lines of wealth, the stray animal,
a slave without any prospects of salvation, is sacrificed daily in numbers that would make the hearts of many skip a beat,
even for just a moment. Behind the back of the "civilized" old hag, Europe, a crime is being committed.
Because everybody has the need for cheap experimental mammals, and because the companies that "produce" them legally have
lifted their prices to the sky high (600-1500 Euros per price), small and larger "companies" of smugglers have formed in all
the countries that possess an oversupply of strays, and they promote them directly to their interested customers at competitive
prices. This is called Pet Trafficking. It sounds like a script from a book by Philip K. Dick, but it is the
sick reality. And what makes it even more horrible is the pretense that is being used: Under the nose of the authorities
(in our country the responsible ministries are those of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Transportation and Culture,
as I would say - appear indifferent as they try to hide the problem under the carpet, however the carpet has formed a bulge
that (everybody can see) animals "are given for adoption" to animal loving families that exist only on paper, on photos and
the imagination of animal lovers with good faith and who believe that they are securing the stray animal in their neighborhood
a better life. In Greece various animal welfare organizations operate semi-legally and they secretly send tens of stray
animals, four-legged "Greeks" without the necessary documentation which is COMPULSORY by law, and there is no
formal mechanism to check the procedure. Some of these groups are neck deep in dirt. Their bully like actions
and their bewilderment to produce even one sound explanation proves this. Some other groups are, as I would like to
believe, involuntary accomplices in a crime that they do not want to accept because the truth will hurt them deeply.
I admit that I recently found myself in such a position recently. However, the evidence that I saw, evidence that the "devil
of Ecology", Popi Baka has accumulated with great efforts, are crushing and leave no doubt, not even for the sake of the pretenses.
Because it concerns months of hard work, I would like this piece to be the preface to her research which I hope to see
published very soon, so that the slow moving, giant called the STATE, can finally take action and stop this disgrace hich
insults not only those who love the animals but all those who believe that this country should maintain a minimum level of
dignity. And because the publication is soon to come, the organized animal welfare people, who have participated in
such suspicious transports, should separate their positions from now, while there is still time. Otherwise, I
am afraid that before they know it they will be taken to court, and then their lack of intention will not help them very much.
Something will change in this country. Naturally or by force, in a rush or in an organized fashion, slowly or slightly
faster. And we will be witnesses and judges. Something will change soon. And not only verbally.
ANOTHER URGENT APPEAL
The future of countless strays in Greece depends on Arche Noah's success in securing
the release of the 58 dogs and this is why we must all give them our full support. To add insult to injury,
the kennelling costs are being charged to Arche Noah at 580€ PER DAY - money which should be used
for the rescue and care of other needy animals on Crete. It's an absurd situation and one which must be resolved as
soon as possible. PLEASE circulate the contents of this email appeal far and wide; PLEASE continue to bombard the
authorities with emails and faxes, write to your Euro MP, the newspapers etc. The situation really is VERY serious,
which you will see from Arche Noah's update below.
Regards,
Vesna
.The End of Animal
Welfare in Greece?
Our situation is becoming more and more hopeless and chaotic. One day we receive the information that the 58 animals can
soon be taken away, the next day we are warned that we will be acting illegally, if we move the animals just one meter within
Greece. Mrs Garagouni obviously has a firm hold over the Greek authorities…
We urgently need your help now – it doesn't matter if you are a tourist, animal lover or
have business connections in Greece!
There is no sign that the authorities will soon yield
in the animal welfare crisis initiated by Mrs. Garagouni. Our requests are hitting a brick wall of ignorance and resistance.
The letter from the German ambassador to the Greek President, has, to our knowledge, also not achieved any results so far.
Our
lawyers were trying in vain to achieve results by Friday afternoon. But nothing was moving. Then we received the information:
"Come back on Tuesday, nothing is going to happen before then; because of the carnival here in Greece no civil servant will
be working".
Meanwhile, our vet Ines Leuw has arrived in Greece from Germany. She will give the dogs a veterinary check-up
at the boarding kennels, and will support Thomas Busch, who is still in Athens.
Further
Harrassment
There were two options open to the Greek authorities during the last week:
1.
They could return the papers to us and let the animals go by means of a quick resolution or court order
2.
They could find something in the way we work, that is against a particular Greek law.
The Greek authorities
have chosen the second option, because on Thursday morning an official veterinary surgeon wanted to inspect the "Pyromane".
She photographed every patch of rust and inspected every single box. Each box was measured. They want to write a report about
the transport. All this is totally absurd, considering that only one kilometre away, as the crow flies, animals have to endure
immense suffering under the eyes of the same authorities, who are now pointing the finger at us, and investigating every detail
of our work --> Illegal.
An inquiry from the German
Foreign Office has shed some light on the matter: we are now being accused of acting against a regulation for the transport
of domestic animals (regulation 9098/2003). Furthermore, we are accused of having no permission to run our animal home (we
have already reported about the deliberate blocking of our application in our article --> So
much wasted energy).
Grim Prospects
We are now fully in the grip of Greek bureaucracy, and the whole matter will go to court –
regardless, of how absurd or senseless this is in the eyes of animal lovers. This will take months. Apart from the representation
of our lawyers, there is not much we can do as a foreign animal welfare organisation. Apart from this, the costs for the boarding
kennels will soon cause our financial ruin.
The authorities still believe Mrs. Garagouni and her allies more than us
foreigners. She and her collaborators are pulling the strings in the background, just as they please. On Thursday morning
Mrs. Lekakou, Mrs. Garagouni's lawyer, phoned the owner of the private boarding kennels and told him that the 58 dogs were
now free for adoption by Greek citizens…
There is no end in sight regarding the actions against us, but an end
to animal welfare in Greece, as it has been practiced by us. Greek partners, animal welfare supporters and friends made
it clear, that if this whole matter was to end negatively for us, this would also be the end of any meaningful animal welfare
work in Greece. Our work is in the public eye, and we are very well organised. For this reason, Mrs. Garagouni has chosen
us as the "enemy" in her power struggle. What it all comes down to is money. EU grants, state subsidies and subsidies from
the tourism industry for animal welfare – our opponents want to get their hands on this money.
One Greek animal
welfare worker in Athens summed it up as follows: "Arche Noah is the most organized association with a shelter, if they
find you illegall, then all the rest of organizations will eliminated easily by Garagouni"
After Mrs. Garagouni and the Greek authorities have finished with their campaign against foreign animal welfare organizations,
* constructive animal welfare from animal loving tourists, in the way it has been established
during the last few years, will no longer be possible,
* effectively working animal homes, supported
from countries outside Greece, like that in Nerokoura/Crete will be replaced by the terrible
animal pounds typical for Greece,
* the stray population will explode, because
successful castration campaigns by foreigners can no longer be carried out,
* nobody will dare to accuse
anyone of cruelty to animals, since these charges would "damage Greece's image",
* hardly anyone will
be able to look after the strays and "barrel" dogs, because according to Greek animal law, this can only be done by animal
welfare workers who have been commissioned by the municipality,
* the adoption of dogs abroad will be
virtually impossible,
* the animal welfare opponents will attack the next animal welfare organisation
(Mrs. Garagouni said after her press conference to a member of stray.gr: "you are the next!")
Please Give us Your Support as a Tourist
We now urgently need your support. As animal lovers, tourists or people with business connections
in Greece, you can now actively help us to ward off this animal welfare catastrophe in Greece.
The Greek Ministries and Authorities will certainly rather listen to Tourists and Holiday-makers than to Animal Welfare
Organisations!
* If the events in Greece have any influence on your future holiday destination,
then please tell them so! Please write to the addresses listed below. Write, preferably by post (and with an official looking
stamp!) and send copies to other addresses! If possible, please send us a copy by fax (+49 5482 925485) or by e-mail (info@archenoah-kreta.com).
* Please also send copies to tour operators!
* Tell tour
operators how Greece, a member of the EU, deals with charities!
* Make the public aware of the events
in Greece! We have prepared several specimen letters for you.
* Protest against the actions of the animal
welfare opponents/authorities and request a change of the animal welfare laws!
* Make people aware of
our situation! Forward these pages and put links to them.
* Make celebrities, politicians and national
representatives aware of our concerns, and the situation in Greece!
Addresses:
(These will be kept up to date and supplemented.)
All addresses are given below as text
files which can be downloaded.
Date: 13.03.2005
The most important addresses:
President of the Hellenic Republic
Dr. Karolos Papoulias
Office of the President of the Hellenic Republic
Bas. Georgiou B 2
100
28 Athen
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Minister: Petros Molyviatis
Deputy Minister: Ioannis Valinakis
Deputy Minister: Evripidis Stylianidis
Deputy
Minister: Panagiotis Skandalakis
3 Akadimias St. Stoa Davaki,
106 71 Athens
Tel: +30 210-3682700
E-mail: cio@mfa.gr
http://www.mfa.gr/
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Agriculture
Greek Embassy in Germany
Greek Tourist Board, Ellinikos Organismos Tourismou (EOT)
Tsoha 7
GR-11521 Athen
Tel. 0030/ 2108707000
FAX 0030/210 322 41 48
info@gnto.gr
Greek Tourist Board
Neuer Wall 18
20354 Hamburg
Tel.
040/ 45 44 98
FAX 040/ 45 44 04
info-hamburg@gzf-eot.de
Greek Tourist Board
Leiter Hr. Panagiotis Skordas
Neue Mainzer Str. 22
60311 Frankfurt
Tel.
069/2578270
FAX 069 /25 782729 info@gzf-eot.de
Greek Tourist Board
Further Addresses:
EOT Greek Tourist Board GREECE
I Xanthoudidou Street
GR-71202 Heraklion
Tel. 0030/81 0228225
FAX 0030/81-0226020
EOT Greek Tourist Board GREECE
40,Kriari Street
Megaro Pantheon
GR-73100 Chania
Tel. 0030-821-092943
FAX 0030- 821-092624
Ministery of Internal
Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Culture
Ministry of Public Order
Minister: Georgios Voulgarakis
Deputy Minister: Christos Markogiannakis
4 P. Kanellopoulou St.
10177
Athens
http://www.ydt.gr/
Ministry of Macedonia - Thrace
German Embassy in Athens
Karaoli & Dimitriou 3,
GR-10675 Athen-Kolonaki
Tel. 0030/2107285111
FAX
0030/2107251205
boathens@compulink.gr
German Consulate General
Thessaloniki Odos Karolou Diehl 4a
GR-54623 Thessaloniki
Tel.
0030/2310251120
FAX 0030/2310240393
Please look for more adresses in your country or area!
Specimen Letters
(These will be regularly updated and supplemented)
This specimen letter can be downloaded:
Specimen letter 1
All three specimen letters can be downloaded: 3 Specimen letters
Dear Sir or Madam,
With Easter just around
the corner, the holiday season 2005 will start in just a few weeks. Many holiday-makers from Germany, Belgium and Holland
will be deciding shortly where to spend their holidays this year. Greece has always been amongst the destinations right at
the top of popular holiday resorts.
However, this could change in future… should there be any repeats of the
events that have taken place in Athens: On Sunday, 27th of February 2005, a transport with 58 dogs of the German Animal Welfare
Organisation "Arche Noah Kreta e.V." was waylaid in the port of Piräus. Under false pretences, the accompanying paperwork
was stolen, the dogs were seized and taken to boarding kennels. The three persons accompanying the transport were treated
in a manner which is, in the times of open frontiers, absolutely unacceptable from a member state of the EU. The person responsible
for this action, Mrs. Garagouni, apparently has her own understanding of the law, she rides roughshod over the regulations,
spreads slander and discredits the work of the animal welfare workers, presenting them as criminals who export animals from
Greece for the use of their fur, or in order to sell them for animal experiments. What madness! Even worse is the fact that
these lies are also supported by press campaigns!
The organisation "Arche Noah Kreta e.V." has been doing animal welfare
work on Crete since 1998. It runs an animal home there and works together with over 10 other animal welfare organisations
and partners. The concept of the Arche Noah works: Besides taking in unwanted animals from the public and treating injured
and sick strays, further emphasis of the welfare work is on castration campaigns, education campaigns in schools, for tourists,
for children and youths and through the media, plus an adoption scheme for dogs and cats – mainly in Germany.
A
permanent solution for the stray dogs can only be reached if the people on Crete are prepared to take responsibility for their
animals, and not just put them out on the road, as soon as they become a burden or become ill. Until this goal has been achieved,
large-scale castration campaigns are the only sensible measure to stop the constant increase in the population of dogs.
The
concept of the Arche Noah Kreta has proved to be very successful over the last years. Apart from positive reactions from the
people living there, we meanwhile cooperate with hotels and tour operators, who have recognized that this concept works –
in contrast to the practice of poisoning, commonplace in Greece, which is cruel and senseless, because for each animal killed
a new one takes its place immediately.
Against this background, the actions of Mrs. Garagouni and her lobby are totally
incomprehensible. Apart from the fact that strays in Greece have the same value as rubbish, and are treated accordingly, this
action against the German animal welfare workers shows again that some Greeks have absolutely no interest in solving the problems
of the strays in a way that makes sense and is humane. Instead of working with the animal welfare supporters, they hinder
their work and treat them like criminals.
This is nothing but a demonstration of power, which is done at the cost of the
animals – a slap in the face for every animal loving person!
It is high time that this matter is not only taken
up by tourists, but also by tour operators, and that consequences are taken. Many animal loving tourists will declare their
solidarity with the animal welfare organisations, and will publicly condemn these proceedings. They will pass the responsibility
on to their tour operators – so that they in turn will make it clear to their business partners in Greece that something
has to be done urgently! Events like those in Athens are not the advertising that Greece needs – especially at the beginning
of this year's booking season. The effects on tourism in Greece could speak for themselves.
For detailed information
about the animal welfare work of the "Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V." and the scandal in Athens, please refer to their
website www.archenoah-kreta.com.
I do hope that something will be done very soon and remain,
Yours sincerely
(Signature)
This
specimen letter can be downloaded:Specimen letter 2
All three specimen
letters can be downloaded: 3 Specimen letters
Dear Sir or
Madam,
At the port of Piräus, on 27th February 2005, a transport of 58 dogs of the German animal welfare organisation
"Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V. was stopped. The animals have been seized without any legal justification, the driver
and persons accompanying the transports were treated like criminals and were kept at the office of the port police for hours,
without being given any reason.
This is not a scene out of a thriller…
It also is not a regrettable oversight
or misunderstanding…
It is not the action of over-zealous police-officers…
NO – it is the evidently
planned action of some activists, who are hostile against foreigners, led by Mrs. Ioanna Garagouni – known to insiders
as an infamous opponent against foreign animal welfare - and her allies, whose understanding of animal welfare can only be
comprehended by them.
Mrs. Garagouni has already, in the past year, during the period leading up to the Olympic Games,
done everything to discredit Greek and foreign animal welfare workers, by claiming that they were transporting stray dogs
abroad to sell them for animal experiments and for their fur.
Mrs. Garagouni still cannot supply any evidence for her mad
accusations. It is also not known whether she has ever seen for herself how the former stray dogs are getting on in their
new families in Germany.
Mrs. Garagouni leaves no stone unturned to show the Greek public a completely distorted picture
of the animal welfare activities of the Arche Noah Kreta, and other organisations.
Mrs. Garagouni cannot even give information
to her own press regarding the members of her alleged animal welfare parent organisation.
And why is all this happening?
Certainly not for the benefit of the animals!
Stray dogs still have no lobby in Greece, despite the new animal welfare
law. They are unwanted, are cruelly mistreated, tortured and thrown out, they die during poisoning campaigns, puppies are
thrown into rubbish containers, etc…the list of suffering is endless.
Evidently, at the heart of the matter is their
wish to demonstrate that the foreign animal welfare workers want to solve a problem, which in Mrs. Garagouni's and her allies'
view does not exist at all; and of course money is involved. To put it more precicely: EU-grants and state subsidies for animal
welfare. Insiders of the animal welfare scene assume that this is the target of the opponents against foreign animal welfare
workers. They want to demonstrate their power - foreign interference in Greek matters is to be prevented – and all this
is happening at the cost of the animals.
This behaviour will not be without consequences: in large parts of Greece
tourism is one of the main sources of income, if not THE main source of income! This can and will change, if there is no change
in attitudes towards animal welfare and stray animals.
Many tourists are appalled by the manner in which Greeks treat
strays, and also farm animals, and turn to the local animal welfare organisations for help, as they no longer want to watch
this misery. These are mainly foreign organisations. Alone the Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta receives at least one phone call
per hour during the season, from distressed holiday makers on Crete, who have personally witnessed the animal suffering, and
are asking for advice.
Should the work of organisations like this be made more and more difficult, or even impossible,
in the future by people like Mrs. Garagouni, this will have horrendous effects on the numbers of tourists travelling to Greece!
It
is high time that Greece remembers that it is a member of the EU, also in regard to animal welfare. This means that they let
animal welfare workers from all parts of the EU, and other friendly nations work unhampered for the benefit of the strays
– so that the problem of the strays will, in the long term, really become "a non-existant problem"!
For details
regarding the animal welfare work of the Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V. and the scandal in Athens, please refer to their
website www.archenoah-kreta.com.
We count on your support, and remain,
Yours sincerely,
===============================
This
specimen letter can be downloaded: Specimen letter 3
All three specimen
letters can be downloaded: 3 Specimen letters
Dear Sir or
Madam,
You have probably already received a large number of letters regarding the events at the port of Piräus on the
27.02.05, where a transport with 58 dogs of the German animal welfare organisation "Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V." was
stopped on its journey, and the animals were seized. You will most certainly receive many more letters, if a solution that
will really benefit animal welfare is not found very soon!
One must ask oneself whether Mrs. Garagouni, and those supporting
her, realize what kind of people are supporting animal welfare organisations, such as the "Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V.".
Apparently
not, otherwise such encroachments, as happened to the animal welfare transport would not have happened.
Perhaps you
are interested who makes the projects of the Arche Noah Kreta e.V. possible, which are:
- exclusively
financed by donations, and
- do not receive one cent from Greek, German or EU authorities.
Over
90% of its members and people who send them donations are TOURISTS, who have spent their holidays in Greece and, after having
witnessed some shocking cases of cruelty against animals, have decided to support the practical and very effective work of
the animal welfare organisation. There are many tourists, who had, prior to the events at the port of Piräus, planned to continue
spending their holidays in Greece – feeling they were actively helping to ease the animal suffering there. Furthermore,
there are many amongst our members who have been planning a trip to Greece, and have been seeking, in advance of their journey,
information about the possibilities for helping the animal welfare work - the disastrous conditions and the misery of the
stray dogs and cats has long been a well-known fact.
Would it not be fitting to support the work of the German animal
welfare workers on Crete, instead of permanently putting obstacles in their path? Can Greece afford to discount the wishes
of thousands of animal-loving tourists?
Is it not finally time to raise the standards of animal welfare, to become
fit members of the EU?
Why are applications of the Arche Noah Kreta e.V. regarding the work of their vets and the licence
for their animal home – applications which are absolutely legitimate – blocked, and the animal welfare work strongly
hindered and restricted?
Perhaps you should spend just one day at the hotline of the Arche Noah Kreta e.V., where,
during the season, not an hour passes without a call from a distressed tourist who has witnessed some act of cruelty against
animals, and is now looking for advice… Or would you like to look into their many files, in which they have collected
the complaints and information from tourists regarding the animal suffering?
Greece is an attractive holiday destination
– but you should not underestimate how sensitivly tourists react to matters like "the misery of stray animals" and "animal
welfare". Especially the German (British?) tourists – many of whom have their own pets at home – are no longer
willing to spend their money in a country where animals still have no rights, are put out on the street, mistreated and killed,
and where those, who want to put an end to the suffering, are treated like criminals, and subjected to totally absurd accusations.
Holiday
idyll in the face of animal suffering – no thank you!
If Greece does not want to do without German (British?)
tourists in future, a start has to be made NOW to cooperate with those German and other foreign animal welfare organisations,
which have, in the last few years established a basis, from which the problem of the strays can be solved in the long term.
Together,
not against each other – this should be the motto for the future in all animal welfare initiatives.
For detailed
information about the animal welfare work of the "Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e.V. and the scandal from Athens, please refer
to our website www.archenoah-kreta.com.
We are counting on your support and remain,
Yours sincerely
------------------------------------------------------
Please help us!
Our work on Crete will continue as ever, but the additional costs for the lawyers and
boarding kennels are becoming so high, that we are more dependant than ever on your help.
Account name: Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e. V.
Bank: Commerzbank Lübeck
Bank code: 230 400 22
Account number.: 209 239
IBAN: DE02 2304 0022 0020 9239 00
BIC: COBADEFFXXX
The chronicle of the scandal
--> First news from 27.02.2005:
58 dogs were seized at the port of Piräus
--> What happened exactly
on the 27.02. at the port:
Wild West tactics
stopped the "Pyromane" – a protocol from Anna Dittmann
--> Mrs. Garagouni, the
initiator of the smear-campaign is calling for a press-conference:
The Chairman of the Greek "Animal Welfare Board" initiates a press-conference
-->
Pictures and quotations from Mrs. Garagouni's press-conference:
''I have never in all those years, claimed…!''
--> Background
information: How our animal welfare work on Crete has been and still is being hindered:
So much wasted energy!
--> Greek TV company broadcasts
more blatant slander:
Sensational report on
TV about our transport at peak viewing time
--> Supporters of animal welfare organisations
are calling a second press-conference for us
Announcement
of press-conference on Monday, March, 7th, 2005
--> Report from the second press conference
and further news:
"You've done too much animal
welfare!"
--> The end of animal welfare in Greece? Please help us to prevent this happening!
How you can help as a tourist, animal lover or business partner
March
13, 2005 Stefan Grothus
Contacts:
Thomas Busch: +49 (0) 170 3169419
Stefan Grothus: +49 (0) 172 2334408
|
So much wasted energy!
|
 |
The background to the seizure of our 58 dogs is becoming clearer. According to our current information, this
was mainly an unauthorised action by Mrs Garagouni, with the collaboration of the Port Police. There is now evidence of that
which we have long known: our animal welfare work on Crete is being deliberately obstructed by the authorities in Athens and
on Crete.
A Background Report |
|
|
Thomas Busch and I have been in Athens since Thursday. We want to find a solution for the problem of the 58 dogs, and we
want to determine who is obstructing our work. Our application for a renewed authorisation for our animal home in Chania,
which was submitted in good time, has been obstructed for 8 months, as has the application for our vets to work on Crete.
The information we have so far received from the Agriculture Ministry is useless.
The seizure of the dogs
Mrs Garagouni knew well in advance that the transport was taking place.
She received information from Chania concerning the transport and other aspects of our work, and was able to make preparations
for the seizure of the dogs.
According to information from the Public Prosecutor, no written authority for the seizure of the dogs
was available on 27th February. The Public Prosecutor who was responsible on that day (the name is known to us) now says that,
on being asked, she gave permission by telephone for the documents to be taken and withheld. No one admits to knowing anything
about the confiscation of the dogs; it was not initiated by anyone in the Public Prosecutors office. Our lawyers say that
giving permission by telephone for the seizure of the documents was against the law; a written authorization must be available
for such a confiscation. Also, the withholding of the papers was without any legal basis, since they were in order.
Whilst Thomas and I were present at Mrs Garagouni's press conference (a report follows), Costoula Dornbrach Stoupi, accompanied
by a lawyer, was making enquiries at the Public Prosecutors Office in Piräus.
The information from there: The seizure of the dogs was an unauthorised action by the Port Police, on the initiative of
Mrs Garagouni and her lawyer, Mrs Agathi Lekakou. On the instructions of the chief of the Port Police on duty that morning
(the name is known), the vehicle was held for 14 hours, isolated, and later escorted to the animal home.
The animals were supposed to be brought to a state animal home in Athens. Costula intervened, and was able to prevent this
happening. She protested against the animals being brought to the state animal home, and insisted that they be brought to
a place having reasonable standards. This resulted in the animals being brought to a private animal home, where they remain
at present. We were able to assure ourselves that the conditions there are satisfactory. We are not publishing any photographs
of this home to protect the privacy of the owner.
On the advice of a lawyer, we have made a contract with the owner of the animal home. This is to ensure that Mrs Garagouni
cannot claim ownership of the animals. In this way we establish ownership of the animals, and they are protected from further
possible unauthorised action by Mrs Garagouni. The animal home has given us a reduced rate of €10 per day, instead of
€20, but this is still an enormous and unexpected expenditure, which far exceeds our means. We will have to sue for
compensation at a later stage.
During her visit to the Public Prosecutor in Piräus, Costoula was given a written instruction to the Port Police, retrospectively
nullifying any order to seize the animals, and instructing them to be returned, since they are the property of our organisation
"Kiwotos tu Noi" on Crete.
The Port Police refuse to act on this instruction. They have subsequently realised that their action on Sunday was illegal,
and want to take legal advice.
Negative Propaganda
Mrs Garagouni has justified her actions by propagating false, negative information
about our work. She receives support from within the Ministry for Agriculture, from a woman well known to us from the time
of our "StraysAlive" campaign. This is Mrs Dile, the deputy leader of the Veterinary Department of the Ministry for Agriculture.
She is also the contact to Mrs Garagouni. We know this from a presentation in the Ministry for Agriculture, in 2004, in which
Mrs Dile, together with Mrs Garagouni, portrayed one of our animal transports as animal cruelty (see the report from 09.06.2004). Further negative comments originate from the municipal veterinary of Chania on Crete, Mr Tzigounakis. So far, he has ignored
any queries and applications we have submitted. Queries addressed to him concerning our animal welfare facilities, are answered
in a derogatory manner, without any basis in fact.
Mr. Joannis Tzigounakis
Fax: +30 28210 28053
e-Mail: dktiniat@oetenet.gr
Both Mrs Dile and Mr Tzigounakis have contributed to the situation in which the seizure of the 58 dogs was possible.
Mrs Garagouni mentioned both names as sources of her information.
Several animal welfare groups in the Athens area have also reported difficulties caused by the comments and actions of
Mrs Dile and Mr Styles of the Ministry of Agriculture. The nature of these negative comments, and their propagation, can be
judged from our report of Mrs Garagouni's press conference.
Obstructed applications
Our queries at the Ministry of Agriculture have revealed that our application
for the authorisation of the animal home has been blocked by Mr Tzigounakis on Crete, amongst others. As the local official
veterinary, the application must be approved by him before being approved in Athens. He says that he has yet to process the
application.
That our work is being obstructed is also made clear by the fact the application for work permits for our two vets, Nasima
Janassary and Mike Albring are lying in a drawer in the veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture. Both these applications
were submitted before the required date.
By the way, the time between our submitting a correctly completed application for a work permit for our vet Ines Leeuw,
and the permit being granted, was 12 months. Even then, the permits were only granted after considerable pressure was applied.
Those responsible for processing these applications in the Ministry of Agriculture are, amongst others: Mrs Dile and her
superior, Mr Heraklis Papadopoulos.
The Main Problem
Thus, our main problem becomes clear: our lawyers are of the opinion that we
have acted correctly, and within the law. The animals belong to us, the papers are in order and the transport of the animals
to Germany is also correct. In contrast, there is considerable uncertainty and lack of knowledge within the Greek authorities
and the associated acting bodies, such as the Port Police, concerning the new regulations. Everyone is afraid of making a
mistake, and passes the buck to a different department. Responsibilities are disputed, and unauthorised actions, like that
of Mrs Garagouni, become possible.
It is far beyond the scope of this article to quote the relevant regulations, but it is practically impossible for animal
welfare workers in most regions of Greece to comply with them. One example: the registration of domestic animals required
by most municipalities is in fact not possible, since no office or contact point exists where the registration can be made.
In our case one can see clearly the chaos that these regulations have led to. Those who have introduced these regulations
are largely responsible; the proposal for the new regulations came from Mrs Garagouni and her associates, amongst others.
Consequences
The actions of Mrs Garagouni and her collaborators are directed against all animal
lovers and those concerned for animal welfare. At the moment, the hands of the majority of animal welfare workers in Greece
are tied. If the new regulations were applied rigorously, the proven and successful animal welfare strategies would be rendered
unworkable. With these regulations, animal suffering will again reach catastrophic proportions in the near future. The existing
animal protection facilities will not be able to cope with the increasing numbers of dogs being handed in, and the problem
of strays will mushroom.
Tourists? - No thanks!
Mrs Garagouni's supporters do not want foreigners in Greece who are
active in animal welfare. They also do not want foreign tourists, since 90% of our members and supporters are friends of Greece,
and spend holidays there. Mrs Garagouni and her associates stated at her press conference, that there is no problem with strays,
animal cruelty and animal suffering. They showed a xenophobic attitude towards us.
The many protests have led to our concerns being heard. We have received a reply from the German embassy: they have sent a
letter to the Greek Ministry of Agriculture, requesting that our concerns be addressed.
We have received world-wide support from animal welfare organisations and individuals for whom Greece is an attractive
holiday destination, but who also recognise the huge animal welfare problem and want to promote our work.
We shall, and must, make the most of this opportunity; we have unwittingly found ourselves on the front line. Innumerable
Greek animal welfare supporters have closed ranks with us, and are relying on our endurance.
We must serve as an example!
We have engaged a whole team of lawyers to find a solution, and an alternative to these senseless regulations.
We still need your help to direct a well aimed protest campaign!
Our protest is now directed against the individuals who support the actions of Mrs Garagouni and her collaborators.
- Demand that the animal welfare regulations are redefined, with our support, and with the support of active Greek animal
welfare groups!
- Demand that Mrs Garagouni's unauthorised actions have consequences, for her, her lawyer, and others who have supported
her!
- Express clearly in your protest, the negative effect of Mrs Garagouni's actions on Greek tourism!
Our principal demand: to be allowed to perform our animal welfare work, without hindrance or
obstruction!
Please write personal letters, faxes and e-mails.
We are endeavouring, with our lawyers, to free the 58 dogs, and we have a further request in this matter:
Please also give us your financial support! The costs are far beyond our means. We will not give up. The protest campaign
will only be ended when we have achieved our aims.
Account name: Förderverein Arche Noah Kreta e. V.
Bank: Commerzbank Lübeck
Bank code: 230 400 22
Account
number.: 209 239
IBAN: DE02 2304 0022 0020 9239 00
BIC: COBADEFFXXX
-->  I want to help! |
CARING FOR THE ANIMALS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS
CONFERENCE
The president of Caring for the Animals, Louisa Zaousi
will be calling
a press conference
at the Foreign Press Association, 23 Akadimias Street
on Monday March 7th at 12.30 p.m.
The
following matters will be raised:
1. Rehoming of dogs within the European Union
2. Urgent need for the abolition
of animal welfare Law 3170/03
3. Liaison of Animal Welfare Societies with Municipalities and the Ministry of Agriculture
Presented
by
Thanos Veltsos, DVM
Tonia Athanasena, DVM
Amalia Katsoula, Lawyer
Nikos Levendakis, Greek Animal Rescue,
UK
Thomas Busch, DVM & President Forderverein Arche Noah, Crete & Germany
Carine Wouters, SOS strays, Belgium
Caat
Calsijn, Animal Help Without Borders, Holland
Angela Fleming, Caring for the Animals
Relevant material will be screened
For
further information:
Angela Fleming, tel: 210 7213 722 & 210 7700 519
57 Ipsilantou str., Athens 11521,
REG. Charity 2172/97
WARNING: THE PICTURES ARE GRAPHIC BUT THEY
TELL THE REAL STORY SO MUST BE SHOWN.
We ask you to please speak out against these totally unfounded and unsupported accusations which are threating the
well-being of all the strays in Greece. Please email or fax your protest letter directly to the Ministry of Agriculture
in Athens:
Fax: 0030-210-5240955
e-Mail: ax2u098@minagric.gr
Thank you for caring!
Dianne
ANIMALS IN GREECE NEED OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER!
Many of you will have heard about the incident at Piraeus port on Sunday 28 February
and the enclosed word file document - an article by John O'Donnell - summarises the insane actions of Ioanna Garagouni,
which resulted in the confiscation of 58 dogs (from Arche Noah shelter on Crete), whose future is unsure.
My reply to Mrs Garagouni and her supporters can be seen below....
Please circulate the enclosed far & wide and if you can get any journalists interested
in taking up the 'story', all the better.
Animals in Greece need our help more than ever
and this is NO exaggeration!
Please hear their cries ... please heed their plea for help.
Thank you for caring.
Regards,
Vesna
http://www.looking-glass.co.uk/news/library2004/2005-march-arche-noah-crete-incident.htm
The
Piraeus Incident
March 2005 latest ...
Gargouini is at it again.
In an unjustified seizure of rescued animals from Crete, fifty eight
dogs, property of the animal rescue group Arche Noah Kreta were illegally detained at the port of Piraeus near Athens on the
28th Feb 2005. Arche Noah say the animals were taken from them and transported to an unknown location by opponents of animal
welfare organisations.
The main cause of this meddling is led once again by none-other than the infamous
Mrs. Ioanna Garagouni (also spelt J. Karagkouni). In a similar scenario to the Athens airport incident last year, Garagouni brought along Greek TV News Alpha to cover the "event". It seems that neither Garagouni or Alpha TV
have learnt the lessons of last year's entirely inaccurate reporting and probing of innocent animal rescue groups transporting
strays to new homes in North and West Europe. (see main LGGN feature)
This time, Mrs.
Garagouni somehow managed to obtain a provisional injunction from the public prosecutor for a seizure of the animals, due
to leave for Germany. Arche Noah Kreta say Garagouni waylaid the vehicle, accompanied by the police and press, and grabbed
all accompanying papers from the drivers, falsely claiming she herself was "from the police". She returned the certificates
of vaccination; the other papers disappeared." "At this point our drivers were still in good spirits, thinking they could
continue their journey after everything had been thoroughly checked. However, things came to a head when it was claimed that
the microchips carried by the dogs were German, and that this was illegal. In the end, even a visit to the toilet could only
be made in the presence of the police."
Through TV and
press, Garagouni continues to attempt to systematically destroy good-cause operations of animal groups in Greece by giving
false impressions about the fate of the rescued and transported animals. She claims that these animals are sent to north and
west Europe for fur and experimentation. Greeks are generally very patriotic in nature and, for the sake of pride, prefer
to believe stories like Garagouni's that twist truths to their favour. They are not happy that the rest of the world cite
them as cruel to their animals, resulting in mistreated dogs and cats being transported to "safe" countries like Holland,
Belgium, Germany, UK and USA. Garagouni plays on Greek jingoism to claim that she is doing the right thing for Greek animals.
However, when these animals are stopped by her and the authorities from leaving the country, the rescue groups have no choice
but to return them back to the streets, leading to ultimate starvation and death.
In the case
of the 58 unwanted dogs from Crete, Garagouni has seriously upset what should have been a straight forward exportation of
properly micro-chipped and vaccinated animals from Greece to new homes in Germany. They are now stranded in Athens and are
not allowed to continue their journey. As Arche Noah Kreta say, "These dogs are legally the property of our charity on Crete,
until they are handed over to their future owners in Germany!"
See below for
a further statement by Arche Noah Kreta and also details where you can send protest letters to.
To read the full story about Greece
and their strays read the LGGN special feature:
Pride, Poison and Prejudice around the Parthenon
A
Statement from Arche Noah Kreta as from March 1st 2005
There are no
legal grounds for stopping our vehicle:
1. In Athens, the animals have not even left Greek territory.
2. The use of German microchips is not illegal. According to Greek law a dog, which has been looked after for 7 days by
a charity or a private person, becomes their property.
3. The majority of the animals had already found new owners in Germany.
4. Some of the animals were brought to the animal home in Chania by the municipality of Heraklion because they were seriously
injured. The action from the opponents to the animal charity is thus also directed against their own fellow countrymen, i.e.
the Greek authorities on Crete!
5. There only existed a spoken resolution from the public prosecutor; no resolution in writing was shown.
6. According to Greek law, the seizure could only have been ordered by an official veterinary surgeon; none was present.
7. Mrs. Garagouni confiscated the papers of the drivers herself. This is not legal, since she is not a police officer,
and has no such authority.
8. All the animals in this transport have the correct vaccinations and are microchipped.
All the animals,
amongst them many puppies which have been brought up by private supporters of our charity in their own homes, would have a
secure and good home to go to in Germany. Their fate in Athens is uncertain. According to the latest information, the animals
are to be taken to a big Greek animal pound.
At present,
a German journalist (from the Bild-Zeitung) is accompanying the Pyromane and our three drivers, Anna from Paleochora, Gaby
and Steve Hoffmann. Despite hour-long telephone conversations, no conclusion had been reached on Sunday.
According to
our lawyer the whole procedure is – even in Greece – illegal, because it took place within the country and not
on its border to another country. Apart from this fact, we are obviously deeply
concerned about the welfare of the animals in our care. The drivers Steve, his girlfriend Gabi, and Anna, who accompanied
them to help tend the animals, will try to at least stay near them. However,
they were so far only allowed to attend to the dogs once. In the meantime, accompanied by the police, they have arrived in
an "animal home" in Athens, where the dogs were unloaded.
Furthermore,
Mrs. Garagouni has, under the pretence of being an official, taken possession of all our transport papers (statutory declaration,
legal certificate and a letter of support from the German Embassy in Athens). As in the past, she justifies her actions by
claiming that we want to sell the animals for animal experiments, and thus violate Greek animal protection laws.
We ask all animal
lovers to act together, and to bring the Greek authorities to adhere at last to their own laws, and to stop the dubious actions
of those opposed to animal welfare!
Please send your protest letters directly to the Ministry of Agriculture
in Athens:
Fax:
0030-210-5240955.
e-Mail: ax2u098@minagric.gr
Chaos in Greece for Animal Welfare!
|
|
| Spurred on by a smear campaign of the print media against animal welfare people, the Greek government currently
is rigorously implementing a new alleged animal welfare law that however actually is restricting animal welfare seriously
and even preventing animal welfare in decisive points. At the same time local and foreign animal welfare people are defamed
in public unchecked. In many parts of Greece animal welfare has come to a complete standstill! |
|
|
|
What has happened?
On the information pages of our campaign “StraysAlive” you will find detailed background information about
the incident at the Athens airport and the consequences.
Information page StraysAlive --> StraysAlive Campaign
We would like to inform you on these pages about the current situation in Greece from our point of
view and ask for your immediate action because the anti animal welfare campaign of the Greek print media has reached drastic
dimensions!
The Anti Animal Welfare Campaign
The inflammatory campaign in Greece against animal welfare gets more glaring and more unprofessional from day
to day. In their articles further Greek authors and journalists take up the lies against the animal welfare people and decorate
them with even more absurd reproaches. Partially the reporting shows extremely nationalistic traits. In the center of attention
are mainly the adventurous theories of some people who do not know anything about the actual activities of international animal
welfare organisations and who make use of the ignorance of the Greek people for their ideas and lies. Foreign print media
are not everywhere available in Greece and therefore most people believe what the media are presenting them.
Desperate enquiries of animal welfare people at the Ministry of Agriculture are largely ignored and no response
so far from the office of the Olympic Committee in Athens. In a letter to a Belgian animal welfare lady, the office of the
mayor of Athens denies any participation in the smear campaign and condemns the slanderous reporting by the print media but
takes no further steps. The authorities do not intervene against the public actions of the animal welfare opponents. So far,
no public corrections have been made by the Greek officials.
Most of the animal welfare people and their supporters are tourists who visited or still are visiting
Greece and who had shocking experiences as for how owned animals are kept or with the problems of the stray animals. They
had to choose: either to avoid the country in the future or to contribute for a change of the conditions. Now these people
are regarded as criminals by the Greek public!
In the meantime there is worldwide support for the animal welfare people. The London Times published an article
about the Greek anti animal welfare law on 14-04-2004, The Guardian reported on it, animal welfare people in the USA, Canada,
Australia and all of Europe are mobilizing people against the Greek anti animal welfare campaign, but so far, the Greek authorities
and media are simply ignoring them.
During the last three weeks we have sent more than 150 very endearingly and nicely written stories about
former strays to the Greek authorities and print media. So far no reactions at all from the officials!
The newspaper Eleftherotypia published a pro animal welfare article (to be read here: article in Eleftherotypia ) and since then it is attacked massively by the animal welfare opponents. There was no other response but extremely
cynical and hurtful articles in the Greek media that made clear how little the authors know about the motivation of the animal
welfare people.
Thus the thousands of tourists who during travelling in Greece lost their hearts to the Greek strays
and adopted one are deeply offended and labelled as perverted.
Chaos on the spot
One month has passed since the incident at the airport and the chaos is getting more obvious and extreme every day. Following
some of the latest comments of animal welfare people from Athens and other parts of Greece:
|
|
(...)
In the meantime we get information from many groups that try to send their dogs and each of them is facing
other problems. Some can get the (health) certificate from the public vet but not the paper from the municipality. Some municipalities
cannot issue the paper because they have not yet started with the registration of the strays in their area. There is a big
confusion as for the microchips, on whose name they have to be registered. There is a big mess and nobody knows any longer
what they have to do to send their animals…
(...)
(...)
We talked to many people who read your stories about strays and are confronted with questions like „But
how can you prove that the dogs we see on the pictures are from Greece?“ Thus they impute that these dogs are Dutch
or German and we made up their stories. Or people assume that a few dogs in fact were re-homed to have news and evidence that
they are in good hands and a large amount nevertheless ends up in laboratories. Be prepared for doubts like these!
(...)
(...)
We tried to send 20 of our animals legally, even had the permission of the major but did not get the permission
of the district. We neither succeeded in the Ministry of Agriculture. They insist on the law according to which we are illegal.
They claim that our shelter has no operating licence and does not meet the requirements of the new law. If we argue that the
animals came from the street and the major who is responsible for the strays gave us the permission we get the answer that
neither the major has suitable utilities (for collecting and taking care of the strays) and therefore his permission is of
no value.
(...)
(...)
Even Greek people who want to travel with their own pets have problems now and have to accept mean questions
from the airport personnel, especially if they want to take more than two animals with them because the law also prohibits
to own more than two pets(!). They are treated like particularly tricky animal dealers or at least they feel this way.
(...)
(...)
Although the health certificate of the public vet is only requested for strays to travel, everybody who is
travelling with a pet, even with his/her own, is facing harassment at the airport and many times the validity of the private
vet’s stamp (that is sufficient with owned pets) is doubted.
(...)
(...)
We were informed that also people within the authorities are cooperating with the opponents of animal welfare.
Garagouni is supported by employees of the Ministry of Agriculture...
(...)
|
|
Consequences – also on Crete
Now the chaos has arrived also on Crete. The public vet in Chania refuses to give the stamp that is required for the travel
to the animal welfare people. His justification: Not all requirements of the new law are fulfilled. How could they?!
In Chania there is almost no animal registered – only those under the care of the animal welfare association!
From the shelter of Nerokouro we get messages like this:
(...)
What shall I do? If he cannot travel with the next flight he will suffer and die. Do something but do it fast!
(...)
The shelter and the other animal welfare facilities are overcrowded, transports of dogs by the ETN (Europaeischer Tier-
und Naturschutz = European Animal and Nature Protection) are being cancelled and therefore numerous animals have to wait for
their life-saving treatment abroad.
At this moment nothing goes on anymore. Most of the animal welfare people are incapable of acting because as for animal
welfare the Greek media and authorities with a gigantic campaign of lies and a totally unrealistic law went back to the dark
middle ages.
The cruel reality
At the same time – especially in pre-Olympic Athens – the situation for the animals on the streets gets worse
and worse.
In his letter to the editor of a Greek website for pets, a Greek describes a poisoning campaign in his village and around
and he certainly is not the only one in Greece with such an experience:
--> Mass Poisoning of Strays
((no pictures))
Massive poisoning actions are taking place; whole areas are “cleaned” systematically. We daily receive pictures
of poisoned and tortured animals as well as of animals beaten to death:
This is reality for countless strays! --> Cruel reality for strays
(Caution: This page contains pictures of poisoned and tortured dogs!)
In the meantime it got around the world how they actually solve the stray problem in regard to the Olympic games...
--> Report in the London Times 14-04-2004
Officially the Greek authorities deny the poisoning actions and some officials may rub their hands with pleasure
because with the stories about the malicious foreigners and tourists who deal with the dogs they have the perfect scapegoats
if later somebody should ask about the low number of strays around the Olympic Games…! In regard to this argument it
becomes quite clear why the animal welfare opponents obviously are supported by employees of the Ministry of Agriculture!
Instead of taking care of their own problems with the strays, the Greek anti animal welfare people publish almost daily
more varieties of their lies. What in the beginning in Germany caused only a shaking of the heads in disbelief – the
pack of lies about animal welfare people selling animals for experiments or to the fur industry – has got much more
preposterous dimensions now. In articles and on the websites of large Greek groupings they prepare to strike the blow against
the alleged internationally acting animal trading Mafiosi, but on a much lower level: They claim that we are making money
by trading with dogs and make the animal friendly foreigners and tourists looking stupid. Because many Greeks simply do not
understand that the former Greek strays have become beloved companions in many homes in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands,
a.s.o., nor do they understand that we also financially contribute saving the strays, they rather believe the reporting of
the Greek print media and take the lies as gospel.
The biggest problem although is an official one:
The new law: an animal welfare prevention law
What the Greeks planned as an animal welfare law has become an “animal welfare prevention law”. While in the
country animal tortures still remain unpunished – people who for example keep their dogs all their lives on a chain
of 1 m length, people who suffocate kittens in closed plastic bags or kill the four-legged friends by other cruel means –
the live-saving travel of former strays abroad is tied to unrealisable conditions. Examples:
|
- For example the law requests that the mayor of the community where the stray comes from gives his consent to its departure
– a ridicule request! Each human is allowed to move free within Europe and for animals this is prohibited? Additionally,
the prerequisite to give this consent – the registration of all strays by the communities - is nowhere fulfilled, has
not even started although four months have passed since the implementation of the law. The Greek animal welfare people and
the friends of Greece who know the country are sure that the full-coverage registration of the strays is utopian! Instead,
the poisoning of the strays continues because that saves a lot of annoying work.
- Nobody in Greece ever asks if somebody who takes in a dog is able to keep the animal properly. But from the foreign
animal welfare organisations they request to present the Greek authorities a certificate that the foreign owner to be is able
to keep the animal and a guarantee that the animal will not go to experiments. Still it is not quite clear if the animal welfare
organisations themselves have to present an official, translated and certified confirmation of their own existence before…
- The whole affair however gets completely absurd by the main requirement of the law – that the owner to be has
to be certain BEFORE the departure of the animal and has to present the a. m. confirmation. As if not everybody knows –
even the Greeks – that the practicable procedure of foreign animal welfare people looks completely different. In Germany
you cannot choose for example a dog simply from a catalogue! The animals have to be in a shelter or private foster home first
and are then re-homed – after the master to be has been controlled carefully.
|
|
So, with this law the Greek government requests that well-established and experienced European animal welfare organisations
have to deviate from their serious, sound and for animal welfare suitable re-homing procedure to fulfil the new law!
If these three required documents are not presented, no public vet is allowed to issue the health certificate for the animal,
and this health certificate is THE prerequisite that the departure can take place. Strict controls at the airports have been
ordered at the same time.
The thing is that in general the animal welfare people thought very positive about the basic ideas of this law. Because
of the registration of the strays, the hope for a cooperation with the public vets and a change in the attitude as for animal
welfare, there was hope for a constructive animal welfare teamwork, together with the authorities.
But the result was an unreal and merciless mudslinging against every animal welfare person, friend of the animals
and tourist who in cooperation with well-known European animal welfare organisations fought for the Greek strays!
They present us as criminals, as dealers and perverted although while working in Greece we always very carefully respected
Greek circumstances, Greek pride and Greek culture. Even our Greek partners and friends are stunned at the moment what is
happening in their own country.
How can you contribute to give the right impression of the work of the animal welfare people in Greece again?
- Spread the news about the actions of the Greek print media and government against the animal welfare people to your friends,
your travel agency, your animal welfare association and to everybody who is interested in this country. Make the actions
public; inform the German and the international print media! For the print media we have contacts in Germany and
in Greece.
Contact: --> streunerleben@archenoah-kreta.com
- Protest! Write a letter of protest and send a copy to your travel agency, the Greek community
where you planned to spend your holidays and ask for an answer! --> Addresses for letters of protest
- Decide where to spend your holidays depending on how the Greeks react now as for animal welfare! Many Greeks live on the
money of the tourists!
- Support the animal welfare people in Greece! Tell them the story of your stray or simply encourage them by writing a nice
letter!
By their decision pro or contra animal welfare the Greek authorities within the next weeks will also
decide pro or contra a large number of tourists and friends of their country who plan to visit Greece in 2004 because of the
Olympic Games or just for a holiday!
In case the Greek authorities are still interested in animal friendly visitors to come to Greece, the animal welfare people
are still willing and ready for talks how to proceed further on!
By the way, these days visitor No. 500 000 was on our Internet page.
Thank you!
April 2004, Regina Schmid & Stefan Grothus
| |
OUTRAGEOUS ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ANIMAL RESCUERS!
FOREIGNERS ARE BEING ACCUSED OF ILLEGALLY 'COLLECTING' AND SENDING STRAY DOGS FROM
GREECE TO GERMANY, HOLLAND, BELGIUM AND OTHER EU COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UK, TO BE SOLD TO VIVISECTION LABORATORIES
OR TO BE SKINNED FOR THEIR FUR. GREEK ANIMAL WELFARE VOLUNTEERS HAVE ALSO BEEN
CAUGHT UP IN THIS WEB OF SLANDER AND LIES
As if to
divert people’s attention from the real horrors of animal abuse happening daily in Greece, malicious allegations
against ‘foreigners’ resurfaced once again at the beginning of March. We are of course talking about
the totally ludicrous AND unsubstantiated claims that stray dogs from Greece are being sent to Germany, Switzerland, Holland
and other EU countries (yes, including the UK!) for ‘experiments undertaken by cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies
and for manufacture of furs’. What’s worse, these lies were repeated on Alpha TV channel on 11 March, after a
‘dramatic’ seizure from the ‘clutches’ of well known animal rescuers of six puppies (who were being
taken to Belgium for rehoming).
The TV report, emotively titled ‘CRUELTY PREVENTED’, deliberately focused on
the 'accusers' allegations, but failed to mention they had not been substantiated with any evidence.
ALPHA TV reporter, Spyros Lambrou, was
at the airport when the above incident took place, so he knew exactly what happened, yet he chose to sensationalise his reportage
by quoting extensively one of the main ‘accusers’, Mrs I. Karagouni, who claimed that puppies were intended for experiments or were to be put to sleep in order to use their
furs to make shoes and clothing. She also claimed that dogs were sent abroad without correct documents.
To find out what REALLY happened, please read Summary of airport incident below.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
As
a result of this report and other related newspaper articles, suddenly everybody in Greece is talking about 'Greek strays
being sent abroad for cosmetic experiments and fur trade'. If the situation were not so serious, it would be comical.
How ironic that suddenly everybody should be so concerned about
the ‘poor’ strays, yet they barely glance at those they see on the street. A
German animal welfare volunteer recently summed it up nicely in one simple sentence: ‘it's the
bad people trying to make themselves look good by making the good people look bad’. How true!!
================================
It’s incomprehensible why anybody
would make such damaging allegations against those who are trying to help alleviate some of the suffering and giving a chance
of a happy life to a few homeless urchins? What do these people want?
Nasty rumours spread like wildfire in Greece and people are quick to believe them; after
all, it’s easier to point a finger at foreigners and question their integrity than to take an honest look at themselves
and how they treat their animals.
----------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE WRITE TO ALPHA TV & PROTEST AGAINST THE MALICIOUS LIES
(email addresses at the
bottom)
****************************************************
On 15 March, a tabloid Greek newspaper - ESPRESSO – published an article by C. Anastasaki,
which is too incredible for words! A ‘taster’ of the lies it printed
is included below, but you can read the whole article below under Espresso 15-0304. The editor’s name and
email address is included at the bottom of the page and we hope that you will write them a strong letter of complaint (but
please keep it polite).
Horror at the Airport
Animal lovers uncover an organized
network for transporting animals to European countries.
"At midday on Friday at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, the Greek police authorities
came face to face with an organized network transporting animals to be used as experimental animals in Belgium and Germany.
*********************************************************
Slanderous allegations against foreigners (individuals or recognised organisations who help
to rescue & rehome Greek strays have been sweeping through Greece for many years, but they exploded about 2
years ago, with articles by a certain MARIA TSATSOU who, for reasons known only to herself, launched a malicious attack
on both Greek and foreign individuals and societies who were involved in the rescue & rehoming of strays. This attack is even more unusual when it is known that Mrs
Tsatsou has herself sent a number of animals abroad for rehoming.
Below is an 'open letter' by Maria Tsatsou, addressed to Mr Drys (previous
government's Minister of Agriculture), which defies belief because the contents are a fiction of her imagination.
Without any evidence that there was even a shred of truth in the allegations, the letter
is reprinted on TETRAPODOLOGEIN website and in a foreword (below), the nameless representative of Tetrapodologein appears to agree that some kind of trade in Greek strays is taking place.
Tetrapodologein site
- March 2004
We publish something new from the issue 809 (19/2/2004) of the magazine
ANTI, an open letter to Mr Drys from the members of the “Independent Action Group of Greek Animal Lovers”. Tetrapodologein
wants to make clear that as a result of these accusations, which are well recognized and broadly discussed, it received a
barrage of reassuring messages which were along the lines that it is “a lot of noise about nothing”
The subject of the present letter is the fate of strays and the sending
of hundreds of them to different European countries with blatant disregard for the current legal framework. The ‘advice’
we received contains suggestions relating to the psychological state of one of the signatories of the letter. It is not a
coincidence that so many of those who went to the trouble of ‘enlightening’ us or trying to dissuade us, do themselves
take part, either individually or as [animal welfare] groups, in the above mentioned sending of animals abroad.
It is also in a way paradoxical that nobody speaks openly. Either
they remain silent or dodge the issue. As regards the imbalance, either personal or collective, of the signatories, we can
only refer to the well know description of the Priest Bos “ the business
of the stones” where the very crazy “operate’ on the crazy.
We are prepared to host any essential, enlightening letter, accepting whatever the psychological
problems of those concerned.
END
You would also be interested to know that somebody has even come up
with a 'price tag' a dog is supposed to fetch ... 10,000-12,000 old Greek drachmas ….. a pricey sum
of about £25! Well, considering the cost of vaccinations, blood-testing (for Leishmaniasis, especially for
adult dogs) and transportation, one would need to be either a complete idiot or a very poor business person to get involved with
such a 'money-losing trade'.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIS SLANDER MUST
STOP!
IT'S INSULTING TO ALL 'FOREIGNERS', EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY AND
PARTICULARLY TO THOSE ANIMAL WELFARE WORKERS WHO HAVE MADE TREMENDOUS EFFORTS TO SAVE GREEK STRAYS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH LOVING
HOMES AND A SECURE FUTURE.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Please address your letters to ALPHA TV and to the editor of ESPRESSO, who instigated the
‘smear campaign’ with their reports (not forgetting Mrs Karagouni and her so-called ‘Confederation
of Greek Animal Lovers’). Please copy your letter to those listed below. After you have read the documents below, you will be
compelled to put pen to paper, especially after you read the Espresso article!
If you have adopted a 'Greekie' (a dog/cat) either in the past or recently, please include
1-2 photographs (if possible) with your mailing, with details of their name/age and where/under what circumstances they were
rescued.
ALPHA TV:
news@alphatv.gr;
webmaster@alphaworld.gr;
spyroslambrou@alphatv.gr
Editor
of ESPRESSO: Mr Pavlos Dimitriadis: espresso@espressonews.gr
Tetrapodologein: info@tetrapodologein.gr
Minister of Agriculture Mr Savvas Tsitouridis: tsitourdis@parliament.gr
Ministry of Agriculture PR office: info@minagric.gr or ax3u030@minagric.gr
PLEASE
ALSO WRITE TO THE GREEK EMBASSY IN YOUR COUNTRY
___________________________________
Arche Noah Kreta, a German based/registered animal welfare organisation
which has been helping animals in Greece (especially Crete) for many years, have launched a campaign - STRAYS ALIVE –
in response to the slanderous allegations. Though mostly in German, several articles
and letters have already been translated into English: http://www.archenoah-kreta.com
***********************************
WITH THE OLYMPICS LESS THAN FIVE MONTHS AWAY, GREECE HOPES
TO ATTRACT A RECORD NUMBER OF VISITORS ... MANY MAY RECONSIDER GOING TO GREECE, EITHER FOR THE OLYMPICS OR ON HOLIDAY,
WHEN THEY HEAR ABOUT THE MALICIOUS AND TOTALLY UNFOUNDED ALLEGATIONS.
PLEASE SEND THIS EMAIL &
OTHER DOCUMENTS ON TO LIKE-MINDED FRIENDS, THE MEDIA, ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS …
ANIMALS IN GREECE NEED YOUR VOICE! PLEASE SPEAK FOR THEM!!!
===========================================
SUMMARY OF AIRPORT INCIDENT
What REALLY happened at the airport on 11 March 2004
At 9.30 am Thursday March 11th 2004 Mrs Mieke Schuddinck, founder of Poezenboot Caprice in Belgium, was
at the Athens airport with 6 puppies. Mrs Schuddinck had travelled to Greece
to save these animals from the street to take them to Belgium to families. The six puppies had been rescued from the animal
welfare society I belong to, called Zoofiliki Ilioupolis. I am the vice president
of this association. Mrs Carol McBeth had introduced me to Mrs Mieke Schuddinck.
Mrs Carol McBeth, director of the Greek Animal Welfare Fund, has visited Poezenboot
Caprice and can assure everyone that this association is rescuing animals.
While Mrs Schuddink and
I were at the check in counter Mrs Karagouni, her lawyer and a reporter from the tv channel ALPHA, Mr Spiros Lambrou approached
us. Mrs Karagouni asked if we had the papers required. I said “yes”. She then asked if we had the paper
from the Ministry vet which is required by the new law. I replied that according
to the ministry of agriculture that won’t be necessary until July 3rd.
Mrs Karagouni then began saying that we didn’t have the correct documents and that we were going to send the
dogs for experiments.
People began looking at
us and wondering what was going on. I tried to reason with Mrs Karagouni and
to explain to her that we honestly believed that we had the correct papers. In
fact we asked the people at Virgin what documents were required for the animals to travel and they said that we had what was
needed. The Virgin employee called the ministry of agriculture and spoke to Mr
Saridakis who confirmed that we had the right paperwork and that the animals could travel. He even sent the European directive
#998/2003 dated May 26th 2003.
Mr Karagouni said that none
of us knew about the new law and that the dogs couldn’t travel. Given the
fuss and feeling threatened we asked for the police to intervene and restore order.
Carol McBeth was informed
about the incident taking place at the airport and raced there to help matters. She
knew Mrs Schuddinck and could assure Mrs Karagouni that the animals that she would be taking would be going to good families. Carol McBeth is well known amongst the animal welfare associations for her important
contribution. However, Mrs Karagouni did not even want to speak to Carol McBeth. Instead she told her to return to her country where animals are being put to sleep!
The situation had gotten
quite out of control and the airline refused to take the responsibility to allow that animals to travel even though they according
to the puppies had the documents they required and had received verbal confirmation from the ministry of agriculture and a
fax with the European regulation.
Mrs Schuddinck boarded the
plane at around 11 am and departed for Brussels without the puppies.
The next step was for all
of us remaining to end up at the police station. Mrs Karagouni was demanding
that the police arrest me, but they told her that it wasn’t possible. I
explained to the police that the poor animals were going to go to families in Belgium and that because of this incident they
would have to return to the street. Mrs Karagouni replied that this was best
because the animals would die for their own country!! Carol McBeth tried very
hard to help matters, but Mrs Karagouni and her lawyer listened to nothing.
The incident ended at 15.00
at which time we left the police station.
The journalist, Mr Spiros
Lambrou who had witnessed al of this presented a completely one sided absolutely, negative report on how animals go abroad. I spoke to him over the phone before the news broadcast and he had promised that he
would give our side of the story. Instead when I saw the news I realized that
even my statements were cut and pasted in such a way as to make me appear that even I believe that animals go abroad for experiments.
By Iris Roussi
Vice President of Zoofiliki
Ilioupolis
===========================================
Letter to ALPHA TV
12/3/04
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to you in response to your TV report
(11 March) concerning stray dogs from Greece that are sent/taken abroad for rehoming, following the 'drama' at the airport,
where 3 animal welfare volunteers attempted to send 6 puppies to Belgium. I believe some dogs from a shelter on Aegina
were also stopped from being sent to Germany. The accusation that the dogs didn't have appropriate documentation
and the claim that many Greek strays end up in vivisection laboratories or are skinned for their fur (if this accusation were
not so serious, it would have been amusing!!), was made without ANY EVIDENCE, but it caused an uproar!! Suddenly, everybody
was/is concerned about the 'poor' strays!! These same people (including yourselves!) walk past them daily
on the streets and never lift a finger to help them, yet are quick to point a finger at 'foreigners'.
As a charity which has been helping animals in Greece for more than 15 years .... and spent/given more than a
MILLION POUNDS for their rescue, treatment & care, sterilisation (and yes, also rehoming, as that is about
the only chance of a happy future many of them have), we have more than proved that we care more for animals in
your country than the average Greek person. Likewise, many other foreign organisations are compelled to help, when they
see how inhumanely strays and even many owned animals are treated in Greece. Of course I'm generalising here, but the
fact remains that Greece is renowned for poisoning of strays, puppies and kittens abandoned on the streets and even thrown
into rubbish bins, abused and neglected 'guard dogs', who are kept permanently chained, dogs and cats killed on
roads by speeding drivers ..... need I go on? And this in a country which has been a member of EU almost from the
beginning, a country which rakes in millions from tourism, a country which is preparing to host the Olympics...?
Why don't you spend your time and energy dealing with animal abuse cases which are almost on your doorstep?
Why don't you help put an end to the nightmare which is on-going at Jimmy Samaras 'death row' shelter in Thessaloniki, where
dogs are dying like flies from starvation and disease, where crippled and dying dogs are 'stepped over' ... why not deal
with this 'animal Auschwitz' before pointing a finger at 'foreigners'? It's 2 months since ET3 programme 'The Other
Day' shocked the viewers with a horrific report of the dreadful conditions at that so-called 'shelter', where around 300 dogs
are literally 'waiting to die'. Even cannibalism is taking place ... What is your channel doing to help put an
end to THIS tragedy, which is REAL and can be substantiated with masses of evidence?
If accusations of wrongdoing are made, then they should be substantiated with evidence ... where is your evidence
that stray dogs from Greece are being sent for some sick trade abroad? If one thinks logically about this, it would
hardly make any economic sense! I mean, why would anybody spend time and money treating sick dogs, having them vaccinated
and more often than not, also sterilised, if they're to be 'sold' for miserly 50 Euro or whatever? If any such
trade really existed, those behind it would ensure they remained anonymous (they certainly wouldn't walk into an airport,
exposing their identity) and wouldn't it be much simpler for them just to go around with a van and pick up the strays
as they went along? There is certainly no shortage of them, they could fill a van within hours ... no need to vaccinate
them or treat them, they could simply throw them in cages and drive off !!
I sincerely hope that you will put the record straight and report true facts in a follow-up programme, which I feel
should also include an apology to all those the report has slandered, intentionally or not.
In closing, I would like to say that we too have adopted dogs from Greece - six of them, five of which are disabled
(two had been deliberately maimed, requiring surgery which cost over £3,000)... a legacy from their past when
they were homeless strays in Greece. We have also rehomed many dogs from Greece in the UK and have annual reunions
... the next one will take place on 6 June ... why don't you join us and report on the happy event? Similar reunions
of adopted 'Greekies' (as I affectionately refer to rescued strays) are taking place in Germany and Holland ... I'm sure you
would be very welcome to attend those too.
I hope to receive a reply.
Yours sincerely,
Vesna Jones (Founder/President)
Greek Animal Rescue
www.greekanimalrescue.com
Letter
to the (new) Minister of Agriculture
22 March 2004
Dear Mr Tsitouridis,
I appreciate that having just taken office as the
new Minister of Agriculture, you are very busy, but I hope you will give this letter your utmost
attention, because it concerns a scandal which has potential to damage Greece's reputation. I am referring
to the widespread allegation that stray dogs from Greece are being sent to Germany, Holland and other EU countries to be sold
as experimental animals and for fur. These preposterous accusations are not only offensive, but there is absolutely
no evidence that any such 'trade' exists.
As a charity which has been helping animals in Greece for more than 15 years
.... and spent/given more than a MILLION POUNDS (UK) for their rescue, treatment & care, sterilisation (and
yes, also rehoming, as that is the only chance of a happy future many of them), we feel deeply offended and hurt
by the slanderous allegations and I know that other foreign organisations involved in helping animals in Greece - especially
the German ones - are equally shocked by the claims. Alpha TV channel,
whose 'dramatic' report, 'Cruelty prevented', aired on 11 March, fuelled the gossip by claiming that stray dogs from Greece
were being sent abroad without proper documentation and that their fate was 'unknown'. The the report quoted extensively from
the comments of a Mrs Karagouni, who claimed that stray dogs from Greece were being used for experiments or to make SHOES [well, if anybody believes that, they'll believe anything!!]. As incredible
as these allegations are, they have spread like wildfire throughout Greece and many foreign residents, who do what they can
to help a few animals, have been receiving malicious phone calls [usually from those who have never lifted a finger to help
an animal!]. Reputable organisations in many countries such as Germany, Holland, Switzerland, Sweden, UK, Belgium etc
have been slandered and that includes the tens of thousands of members we have between us.
As if the report on Alpha TV wasn't bad enough, Espresso newspaper printed
a VERY libellous article on 15 March, with the sensational but untrue headline:
Horror at the Airport
Animal lovers uncover an organized network
transporting animals to European countries.
At midday on Friday at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport the
Greek police authorities came face to face with an organized network transporting animals to be used as experimental animals
in Belgium and Germany.
It may not surprise you to learn that we cannot simply dismiss these dreadful
accusations and I hope you agree that we have every right to feel offended. I'm sure you also realise that this issue has
the potential to cause considerable embarrassment to Greece and thus I hope you will intervene and demand that Alpha TV make
a public apology for their shameful report, admitting they have absolutely no evidence [and they don't!!] that any dogs
from Greece are being sent abroad illegally and used for experiments or for their skin ... Mrs Karagouni should
be sued for slander and as for Espresso newspaper ..... what a disgrace!
I hope that you will deal with this matter without delay and inform us what
course of action you will take. I also hope to receive acknowledgement of my letter.
Yours sincerely,
Vesna Jones
Greek Animal Rescue (Founder/President)
============================================
MARIA TSATSOU'S LETTER
TO MR. DRYS
Tetrapodologein site - March 2004
OPEN LETTER TO MR DRYS
by: Maria Tsatsou
We think the time has come, Mr Drys, for you, in the name of justice, truth and openness,
to tell the truth about what is happening to the strays in our country.
It is rumored that the European Union grants for strays, for the non-existent shelters,
for the imaginary sterilsations and the microchipping have been misappropriated. Not having any other solution, the order
was given by your Ministry or from the local authorities for mass poisonings to occur and for the strays to be executed because
of the Olympics. It is also rumored that the only escape from the poisoning and euthanasia is the sending of dogs, puppies
and cats to the countries Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Sweden, Belgium, Holland, France etc. It is believed by
many that “you surrendered” Greek strays, a great part of our Greek flora and fauna, to foreign and Greek women
who for years are sending animals abroad while you wash your hands of them.
Is this the truth? Or is the opposite happening?
Or is it just a rumour arising from a network of “ interested people” who spread this slanderous untruth in order
to increase even further the huge number of animals who are going abroad in order that
what we “the Independent Action Group of Greek Animal Lovers” call the illegal sale of puppies, dogs and
cats to be used for furs, face creams, cosmetics, experiments, dog fights, cat bonsai, organ transplants etc in Europe, Canada
and the United States and even our own country should continue?
You probably disagree with us. Did you ever wonder, however, what are they doing for years
here in Greece these professional animal lovers? Which groups use them and why
do they choose to work in Greece when there is no European country without a stray animal problem. What role do they have
to play in the legal work of your ministry and to impose foreign laws on the
Greek reality and mentality? Do you take part in the affairs of the analogous
ministries of Britain, Germany, Austria etc? Do you not think that there are
people in Greece who are concerned? People with a different view? Why were you indifferent to pensioners, and workers who pay astronomical amounts of money in order for animals to leave for European paradises,
to be sent by unknown people to other international unknowns who do not even have a formal paper to prove their identity.
Were you indifferent to the moving accusations made by the Greek Animal Welfare Society
(HAWS) (ANTI issue 799); And why did neither you nor the Minister of Culture
or anybody from the Greek church not react when the British press called Greece a country of barbarians and it was written
in the Guardian that the orthodox religion and priests allow the poisoning of dogs and cats because love of animals is regarded
as heretical.
The question of strays on the part of the authorities was always suspicious. If somebody
is persuaded [to send animals abroad] they are drawn into by the mention of poison.
Some crafty individuals persuade naïve people to believe that it is “either poison or Germany” rather like “
either Karamanlis or the tanks”. But why must all of Greece be cleansed of the strays in view of the Olympics, Mr Minister.
Who put that idea forward? How can we define the word “stray” in a country which has 10 months of summer? And
how also ‘semi stray’ in a country where has room for everything and everyone? Why for a start is there so much
shame connected with cats and dogs? What benefit is this attitude? And who are the foreigners who judge us? Those who organize
paedophilic excursions to the Phillipines and eat horses, cats and hedgehogs? From our treatment of strays we will be judged
then and not from our non existent musical education, our illegal abortions, from the state indifference to an intellectually
backward people etc.
Where else are such naïve people found who pay astronomical amounts in order for animals
to leave for Britain, as a favour, when Cambridge has become an ape hell hole in which thousands of apes are used for experiments
in open brain surgery? Or in Germany when the same Germans acknowledged that in their own country until 1996 they used blankets
made from cat fur as an antidote for rheumatism? When the sale of cat fur is still legal in countries like Britain and Switzerland?
Do you know that hundreds of animals are deprived every day in painful and toxic experiments in illegal laboratories in the
depths of Turkey, India, Pakistan, for the benefit of European and international pharmaceutical companies. Are you sure that
the containers of Greek dogs who pass freely through customs don’t end up there?
And why Mr Drys since you had the grandiose plan to present a cultured animal loving Greece
to foreigners didn’t you take the time to make even 5 minute broadcasts
on the radio, organize lessons on animals in schools from nursery school onwards etc thus giving weight to education and the
enlightment which are the solid foundations of civilization and basic change? Why then didn’t you inform people of the
necessity of sterilization for female animals? Why then didn’t you subsidise
the sterilization of female animals from Greek vets and not German-English-Swiss-Swedish?
The Independent Action Group of Greek Animal Lovers, Mr Drys attributes a large portion
of the responsibility for the illegal export of dogs, puppies and cats to the Greek side and the PASOK government. It believes
however that it is to the advantage of centres abroad benefits for Greece to remain a country where strays are produced and
for the borders to be open for the crossing of dogs, puppies and cats, not only strays but from mysterious puppy and cat farms
which are rife in the Mediterrane and all over this country. For this means those who are becoming rich by selling furs from
cats and dogs try and prevent the development of animal lovers? If the number of strays in Greece gets smaller it will stop
the flow of unfortunate creatures who are sold to them and who provide them with tax free riches and financial gain.
Mr Drys, we barborous Greeks as we are called
by various foreign women known in the animal welfare world and to their embassies, want to learn the truth from your own mouth.
If you don’t know, perhaps Mr Davilas and Mr Hatzifotis know, and the people who
check the animals at Eleftherios Venizelos (airport). And… of course the dense network of foreign women who are spread their animal welfare work to encompass all of Greece. You owe it to everybody to tell
the truth, whether they are your voters of not, but Sir you owe it to your party, to PASOK, which has added another resounding
failure to its record with this dark affair.
Members of the Independent Action Group of Greek Animal Lovers:
Phani Afentaki Lawyer
Katerina Iatropoulou Lawyer
Vasilis Papdopoulos, Lawyer
Alexandros Souvatzis, Lawyer
Evi Tziouda, Book seller
Maria Tsatsou, Author- journalist
Giorgos Chronaw, Publisher
------------------------------------------------------
Espresso
Newspaper - Monday 15 March 2004
Daily newspaper
Horror at the Airport
by: H. Anastasaki
Animal lovers uncover an organised network transporting
animals to European countries.
At midday on Friday at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport the Greek police authorities came
face to face with an organised network transporting animals to be used as experimental animals in Belgium and Germany.
The President and the legal advisor of the Confederation of Greek Animal Lovers (SYZOE)
caught red handed two women who were ready to export a large batch of dogs – who had of course been drugged - to countries
abroad without the required documentation for such a journey. After the intervention of the airport authorities and the Ministry
of Agriculture, who confirmed that there were serious omissions regarding the necessary documentation required for the animals
to travel, the export did not take place and the two women found themselves facing the authorities.
The visit of the Greek Animal Lovers’ Organisation at Eleftherios Venizelos, apart from uncovering the specific network, also revealed that departure of animals from Greek borders is a daily phenomenon over the last few months. As Ioannina Karagouni,
President of the Greek Animal Lovers’ Organisation says, “ the responsible
authorities, confirming that the women transported the animals illegally, have told me that over the last several months 5-10
animals together with an accompanying person leave the airport every day. Where can they be going, then these animals? Is
it possible for somebody to be the owner of 10 dogs? And why are they coming from Greece?”
Block by Animal Lovers
The story of the export of animals to countries abroad and in particular Germany, Belgium,
Switzerland and France is very much occupying animal welfare organizations these last months. The fact of course that the
biggest pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies have their headquarters in these countries increases the suspicion. The accusations
of mass disappearance of dogs from areas of Athens and from the rest of Greece obliged the President of (SYZOE) to undertake
the expense of a private detective and in order to trace them [the animals].
The information that came was that on Friday a Luthansa flight was to leave for Germany
and that among the passengers there would be at least 6 puppies.
“The information proved correct. The dogs were doped and in cages, something which
is forbidden and did not have an identification microchip from the local authority. In addition the women did not have the
responsible declaration from the local authority who take responsibility that the animals will not become experimental animals,
or the responsible declaration from the animal welfare organisation abroad that guarantees their safety and gives the details
of the owner who will take delivery of the dogs and whose details must be inserted as data on their microchips. In other words
there were no recipients for the dogs, but the women found it adequate to say that they were taking them from Greece where
we mistreat them and that they were sending them to families abroad.”
At the exact same time another woman with 3 dogs and 2 cats was getting ready to leave
the airport for the destination, Belgium.
After the intervention of the security men at the airport, both women were lead to the
police department at “Eleftherios Venizelos” where after detailed examination of the ministerial decisions it
was accepted that there were serious omissions in regard to the documentary procedures. After directions from the Ministry
of Agriculture the journeys of the two women were postponed as it was judged illegal for the dogs to leave the country with
just a vaccination record!
Torrent of accusations
After the incident at El. Venizelos, SYZOE received a torrent of accusations. “They
phoned me from Crete, Ioannina, Rhodes and many other areas of Greece and gave me information on similar journeys to the unknown,
tens of dogs from all the airports with only health record signed by a vet. This is 100% illegal.” Explains Mrs Karagouni.
Experimental animals made in Greece
The President of Greek Animal Lovers’ Organisation declares that she is convinced
that “the dogs leave our country and are surrendered for large financial rewards to pharmaceutical manufacturing companies
and the giants in the cosmetic world who have been explicitly forbidden to use animals from their own countries in their experiments”
According to Mrs Karagouni “ it is a very well organised network which sends 10 of dogs abroad, using the official justification
of course that our strays are in danger from unfeeling Greeks. Officially they declare themselves as animal lovers and until
today nobody has checked the basic conditions of the ministerial decisions with first of all and most important the detailed
information on the owner will undertake the adoption. What I don’t understand is what reason the Belgians have to adopt
Greek dogs and not Belgian dogs. Are there no strays in Belgium and Germany?”
The collection
It is fact that the countries which the statistics suggest
Greek animals are traveling to are the headquarters of the biggest pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. Everything
suggests that the sale of animals has proved for some to be a gold mine business. The reason: the Swiss, French and Belgian
law explicitly forbids the use of experimental animals. For that reason, all the well known products which come from those
specific countries bear the label “not tested on animals”. According to the President of SYZOE “ the collection
of animals occurs from neighborhoods all over Greece. These people care for the animals and then slowly present them as their
own. They then go on to export them to countries abroad for large financial reward.”
Immediate response from the Ministry
The Ministry of Agriculture (now known as Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food)
acted immediately and forcefully in the matter of the export of animals from EL. Venizelos to countries abroad. Those responsible
at the Ministry promised the President of SYZOE, Greece that “the measures which will be taken by Savvas Tsitouridis
will in future be stricter and furthermore no window allowing illegality will be left open.” The Ministry of course
waits to intensify the controls so that not a single Greek animal will cross the borders without the required papers and precise
details of the new owner who will be under continuous surveillance by means of the microchip and thus will not be able to
torture or use the animals for experiments. All this will be in the signed and now official ministerial decision.
END
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