Crete Greece - Serious Crisis - Thousands of Stray Animals suffering.

Stray Animal Crisis in Crete

We the undersigned find this situation totally unacceptable, we call your attention to the following requests and require you to immediately seek measures to alleviate the suffering of many thousands of stray animals for whose care you are responsible.

Following the closure of animal care groups and reduced volunteer assistance even the meagre but vital facilities previously provided for stray animals is at breaking point. The remaining groups now struggle to continue their vital work supported entirely by diminishing overseas charity and money raising efforts of their own.

Neither the Rethymno Prefecture nor any of its municipalities offer any assistance at any level to meet any of their responsibilities under the law to alleviate the enormous, tragic  and increasing suffering of stray animals.

It is known that financial austerity programs have dramatically increased abandonment of previously owned animals. This in itself will increase stray animal overpopulation and has exasperated a very serious situation - into a crisis.

We the undersigned demand that Rethymno Crete Municipalities and Prefecture now ACT. Recognise and assist the vital importance offered by the remaining volunteer groups who provide the only care for stray animals throughout this prefecture.

There are examples throughout Greece of Municipalities who, having recognised the seriousness of this crisis have responded and acted. Here in Crete, small Municipalities have employed contracted Greek vets to offer free sterilisation for stray animals – Other prefectures have established financial assistance for injured and sick animals needing immediate veterinarian care. Others see the logic and sense of welcoming vital help from overseas visiting veterinarians to work with Greek vets to provide free sterilisation programs.  Other prefectures  have dedicated funds for the care and welfare of stray animals by raising just ONE EURO per quarter via domestic utility charges.

 

Any and all of these progressive measures are possible from the third major city and prefecture in Crete.

Further, progressive moves can be immediately enacted by any of Rethymno’s municipalities with absolutely minimal cost.

Allow funds to be raised via animal welfare collection boxes at your festivals and carnivals.

Allow the free use of an empty shop to enable groups to raise money and awareness of this critical stray animal situation. 

Finance the printing and distribution of leaflets or sheets to educate the population on sterilisation and its vital need and inform where these facilities are available.

Use your municipality websites to educate visitors on stray animal adoption and animal care and welfare education.

Use your municipal office notice boards to advertise animals in need of adoption. Encourage your local vets to display stray animal adoption and expand their business.  Every adoption achieved via this service represents a prospective new client.

There are MANY ways which your municipalities can begin progressive moves towards helping stray animals other than shamefully relying on compassionate people from overseas to fund the little and seriously threatened care which is presently provided by volunteers.

Tourists have totally relied upon these small groups to aid and assist animals which they find – this now presents every municipality with a huge problem. Whilst volunteer groups are under financed and overwhelmed this year tourists will find that there is nowhere to go.

As the responsible entity for stray animal care and welfare - what will your response to tourists  be when they seek the help which YOU are required in law to provide ?

Your urgent attention is now imperative.