Honorable Members,
In Greece, there is a gap in single national strategy on animals, as no Greek government has seriously and responsibly addressed the issue with empathy.
The Greek State has not tackled the root cause of problems. It has not taken into consideration that animal cruelty in Greece has been increased in recent years. Unfortunately, this fact is known in Europe and worldwide.
Bad drafts, ineffective solutions and reviews of the existing inadequate animal legislation which do not provide protection.
That is why animal issues are getting worse and the current draft law is not able to change things for the better. On the contrary, it will become an inefficient law.
PFPO suggests that debate of the new draft prepared by the Ministry of Interior includes animal issues as a topic of discussion. It suggests that animal issues are withdrawn of the debate of the current draft law.
PFPO emphasizes that new animal law should be modern and similar to European Animal Law and it should deal with the problem at source.
As equines considered pets at a global level, PFPO has suggested that a draft law on them is prepared by the Ministry of Interior. We refer to pets and equines as there is a lack of national legal framework for the protection of other animal species.
Suggestions of Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation are listed below:
- Withdrawal of Article 3. Discussion on breeding under the responsibility of Ministry of Interior, because problems related to breeding issue have been increased since 2012.
It is well known that there are thousands illegal breeders in Greece. It is the leading cause of the increasing number of strays.
It is worth noting that authorization by Kennel Club of Greece is considered an evidence of legality by Greek breeders to be an evidence of legality.
According to article 3, authorization could be granted within 50 days following a payment of 50 euros and an application to the Veterinary Service without audit investigation and in the absence of Ministerial Decree on breeding conditions. It should be noted that the amount of 50 euros is quite low while in Europe is more than 300 euros and it is increased according to categories.
While a puppy costs more than 1000 euros, the breeder has paid only 50 euros for authorization.
It is our strong belief that uncontrollable breeding will be exacerbated because of this article. Also, breeding should be subject to Integrated Information System of Audit Activities, as soon it is completed.
- Withdrawal of Article 15. It should be further discussed because:
As regards paragraph 1:
The current problem about wild boars looking for food in urban areas must be tackled at its root. It will not be eliminated despite the intensive hunting.
In 2013, free-range of boars in forests and forested areas was allowed by a Ministerial Decree of the Deputy Minister of Environment. A fact that resulted in hybrid wild boars which have sharply increased.
A total ban of wild boar breeding, their release as games (hunting method) and nomadic farming is essential. The problem will continue at the expense of public health and animals.
Despite statements and objections raised by scientists, foresters and biologists in recent years, concerning environmental damage by this activity, none of the competent ministries has taken the appropriate decision. Also, animals’ life and human safety is endangered because of wild board hunting in rural areas and areas where hunting is forbidden. It should be emphasized that the only solution is the total ban of nomadic farming as well as wild boar breeding and release.
As regards paragraph 2:
Why facilities located in veterinary services are not used? Why facilities should be set up in forested areas?
Article 18
PFPO considers that it is in the right direction. However, it recommends the following:
- Ban of import of those animals meat, skin and fur products, medicines or other substances made from them.
- Ban of those animals export for their fur, skin, meat and in order to be used for medicines or other substances production.
Finally, we are pleased that the Article 8 was withdrawn for the third time in a row.
There is no excuse for the withdrawn article because it includes human attitudes towards animals in contrast to a vision of European and modern conception of animals.
Presentation by Olga Liara, Forest Protection Specialist, PFPO’s member of BoD, responsible for education and wildlife issues