CAMPAIGN OF THANKS! to Greek Chief of Police

On August 4, 2010 the Chief of Police issued a directive to all police departments throughout the country (English translation below) instructing all departments to take appropriate and lawful measures when dealing with reports of animal abuse in Greece.   This order was a result of the cooperation of the representatives of the Ministry of the Rights of the Civilians with the representatives of 82 Greek Animal Welfare Organizations.

The police of Greece are obviously feeling the heat of our internet campaigns on Facebook, various petitions sites, and mass emailing/faxing to municipalities that have been more than neglectful in their responsibilities to the abandoned, tortured, and otherwise victimized animals in their jurisdiction. 

Please let the Greek Chief of Police know that his unprecedented acknowledgment and written action for enforcement against animal abusers is more than welcome and so urgently needed as a first step to gaining the support of the police in our Cause.  Having the support of the Police is the one key element that has been missing in our fight for animal welfare and rights.

We, the undersigned, wish to thank the Greek Chief of Police (and all the recipients of the memo) in anticipation of having our complaints heard, recorded, and acted upon thus saving the lives of thousands of helpless animals from this day forward.

Together we will move forward in action against the abusers!

Yours truly,

Helen Siwak, Volunteer

on behalf of the Friends of Animals Nea Filadelphia / Filozoikos Syllogos Neas Filadelpheias #25700, Member Group of the Representatives of 82 Greek Animal Welfare Organizations.

(If you wish to contact the Chief of Police directly please use fax or email only: f: 210-6929764 / pressoffice@astynomia.gr

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Dated: 04/08/2010 (August 4, 2010)

Faxed: 06/08/2010 (August 6, 2010)

Republic of Greece

Ministry of Citizens Protection

Office of the Chief of Greek Police

Department of Safety and Order

Office of Public Safety

P. Kanellopoulou 4, 10177 Athens

Anth. Karalis Apostolos

Telephone: 210-2311/23110

Arith. Prot. 71572/10/497632

Examination of animal abuse/deaths and actions for their protection.

1. We are aware that the Ministry of Citizen's protection and the Police Departments often are recipients of  complaints about animal abuse or death from non governmental organizations, Friends of Animals Groups and individuals, not only from Greece but also abroad.

There are many complaints in printed and electronic press and in other media, where photographs or videos of abused or dead animals are published. Recently there was a post on the internet with the title ''Kill the Strays''.

These photographs are usually accompanied with critical comments about the weakness of the authorities and the implementation of the Law, things that disrepute our country internationally.

2. After all the above we kindly ask you to give orders and directions to all the appropriate services so as to:

a) Examine instantly every information that is given which concerns animal abuse or death in any way and enforce the law against any responsible individual.

b) Make clear to the staff in these Services to take action right away whenever they have any information and reply in writing to the complainant.

c) Co-operate with the Friends of Animals groups around the country and research carefully the complaints.

3. To your further information we attach article N.3170/2003.

4.  We ask you to submit this letter to the offices of Minister, Deputy Minister, General Secretary of Public Order, Chief Officer and other General police inspectors of North and South Greece and the publication to all recipients for their information.

CC: 1) Departments Attiki, 2) Thessaloniki

( Long list of Municipalities and Departments)