Αγγλική μετάφραση ακολουθεί το Ελληνικό κείμενο.
Άρθρο στο ΥΓΕΙΑ ΜΟΥ με αφορμή την Παγκόσμια Ημέρα Ζώων και συνέντευξη της Προέδρου της ΠΦΠΟ κ. Μπομπολάκη.
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PFPO has repeatedly complained about hobbling of farm animals and equines, as well as wild and domesticated animals’ trade and illegal imports.
PFPO’s President, Mrs. Natassa Vyssinou- Mpompolaki calls for police action in the fight against animal abuse. Also, she provides information on animal health effects because of hobbling and appalling living conditions for animals in puppy mills.
All around the country and mainly in the Cyclades islands and in the Dodecanese (Dodekanisa), several farm animals and equines are hobbled.
It should be mentioned that our Federation’s efforts, began in 2015, have revealed that hobbling constitutes a form of animal abuse.
What is hobbling?
Hobbling constitutes a severe form of animal abuse. Unfortunately, this cruel and torturous method is commonly used by farmers to restrict their animals’ movement.
Hobbled animals are not able to move, lie down, stand up or even lift their head to the sky. Animals often suffer from injuries, gangrene, mutilations and those animals life is at risk.
Hobbling method should be banned because of animal suffering. Our country must be a place where animals are not abused.
It should be emphasized that police officers play a key role in combating such illegal methods. Of course, public awareness and education are quite important.
However, we have been informed that administrative or criminal offences are not confirmed by police officers. Also, in case those fines are confirmed, they are not imposed by local veterinary services.
As regards hobbling, PFPO requests that a circular is issued by Hellenic Police Headquarters which should be sent to all police departments. This circular will state that hobbling is a criminal and administrative offence. Even though a circular has been already issued by Police Directorate of Cyclades, it cannot be applied to the whole country.
Pets Trade
In Greece, there is an illegal breeding and trade of thousands of pets. Moreover, thousands of pets, as well as exotic and wild animals, are illegally imported in our country, under the very noses of Authorities.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Rural Development and Food is not concerned about this important issue, which is connected with the increase of strays’ number.
This is shown by the fact that a ministerial decision with requirements of pets breeding and trade has not been taken since the adoption of law No. 4039/2012.
Also, action taken by Cyber Crime Unit is not direct, effective and persistent even though there are several complaints by animal welfare bodies about actions connected with illegal animal breeding and trade on the internet.
Hellenic Authorities are inadequate as each and every day animals are sold on the internet. Thousands of animals suffer because they are bred in appalling conditions.
What is a puppy mill?
Puppy mills are large-scale commercial dog breeding facilities. Usually, those puppies are sick and impaired. Actually, puppy mills are known for appalling living conditions. Puppies live in tiny and dirty cages with wire floors that hurt their paws and legs. They are exposed to weather conditions, without never see the sunlight while being confined in dark cages. Of course, there is a lack of veterinary care. They are violently separated from their mothers, which are forced to give birth over and over. Some of the puppies that are born in puppy mills die within days. Mother dogs die being exhausted or in case they can no longer breed, they are killed in a variety of ways.
PFPO’s aim is that competent Authorities will do their duty. Our Federation calls for ex officio, continuous and persistent actions against this crime.