Panhellenic Animal Welfare School Day

The announcement of the Ministry of Education 28131/GD4/15-3-2024 filled us with joy and optimism for the future, as it declares the 4th of April each year as the Panhellenic Animal Welfare School Day. Beginning this year, April 4th, the International Day of Stray Animals, is being established in Greek Primary and Secondary Education schools as Panhellenic Animal Welfare Day.

Expected results of the Panhellenic Animal Welfare School Day are the information and awareness of students about biodiversity and the various forms of life, with an emphasis on well-being and the cultivation of sensitivity and empathy for every living being, the recognition and respect of the rights of animals through their active protection, as well as the involvement of male and female students in activities of taking actions and animal welfare initiatives.

In the context of these actions and after an invitation from the teachers, AZI visited the primary school of Katapola. Together with the students, we watched a short film titled "Life through the Eyes of Stray Animals" and some spots, followed by a discussion about animal welfare. The students then created and painted animal-themed posters and bookmarks and then we walked together to our equine shelter where the children met the animals, learned about them, and treated them with carrots and apples. Τhen the students visited our Center where the local vet Dr. Dimitrios Simos spoke to them, met and played with our cats as well as a baby goat.

It was a very beautiful day for children and adults alike!

We want to warmly thank the teachers who gave us the opportunity to talk to the children and acquaint them with the animals and our Center and shelter.

Animal Action in Amorgos

On June 17th and 18th, 2023, the equine care team of Animal Action Greece visited Amorgos, just like every year for the past ten years, to provide veterinary, dental, and farriery care to the island's equines. The veterinarian Kostas, the equine dental technician Alkis and the farrier Tasos offered their services to 33 equines (23 donkeys, 6 mules, and 4 horses) that are used for various agricultural and transport tasks.

Almost all of the equines needed their teeth fixed and quite a few also needed hoof care. Advice was also given on their proper diet as well as appropriate ways to keep them from running away without the use of pastoura (the traditional practice of tying the legs together).

During their stay, the team visited our shelter where they offered their services to our old folks—the 5 donkeys and 1 mule that we host here. The team had to work in the rain to get all the animals done.

Special thanks to Seajets and Blue Star Ferries for their support in helping our project by offering free return ferry tickets on the former and 50% off on the latter for the group members, Anna Studios and Galini pension for the free hosting of the group, Thomas Rent-a-Car for providing a car for the group's transportation, the "Kamari" restaurant in Katapola and the "Kostaras" restaurant in Aegiali for covering part of the team's meals.

A very big thank you to Deputy Mayor Popi Despotidi who, from the Municipality's side, was the one who sought the sponsorships and who is always willing to help. The Municipality of Amorgos contributed also to the group's transportation. For our part, we undertook the organization of the action and covered part of the group's meals.

It's through cooperation and understanding that we can achieve a lot.

We should also note that the owners of the animals were very hospitable, waited patiently, showed great thanks for the services of the team, offered bottles of roasted raki, and asked us to repeat the action which they embraced from the first moment and for this, they deserve a big thank you!

And to all our wonderful supporters out there, thank you all for your donations over the years. Please continue to support our efforts and goals by making a tax-deductible contribution here. We need you now more than ever!

Animal Action GREECE

Animal Action’s Equine Care Team visits Amorgos for 10th time!

In collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International, the Equine Care Team of Animal Action GREECE will visit our island this year once more, to offer its services to the working animals (donkeys, horses, mules) of the island's residents for two days, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June 2023.

Anyone with donkeys, mules, or horses in need of care can contact Animal Zone International at 22850-71716 and 6974990045 or simply bring their animal to the designated points.

ANIMAL ACTION GREECE's equine veterinarian, farrier and equine dental technician will examine the animals and care for the hooves and teeth FREE OF CHARGE.

DATES, POINTS AND TIMES OF MEETING:

Saturday, JUNE 17

Aegiali

Time 10:00 Up Parking of Langada

Time 13:00 Tholaria Parking area

Time: 15:00 Potamos Parking area (Chontrolia)

Chora

Time: 17:00 Chora Parking area (towards the Health Center)

Sunday, JUNE 18

Katapola

Time: 09:00 Agrokipio (Near Exarchopoulos)

The Animal Action team will be able to microchip the working equines of anyone interested.

Suggested token minimum donation: For 1 animal: €20 • For 2 animals: €15 / animal • For ≥ 3 animals: €10 / animal

Note: Based on Ministerial Decision No. 311/62043/2021 it is now mandatory for all equidae to be electronically marked

Team Animal Action

On June 9 and 10, 2022, a total of 33 equines — 23 donkeys, 6 mules, and 4 horses — were seen and cared for by the Animal Action team, which included a veterinarian, a farrier, and a dental technician. They visited the areas of Chora, Katapola, Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos on Amorgos.

For the first time, owners were able to microchip their animals, required in accordance to ministerial decision number 311/62043/2021 which requires all equidae to be microchipped. Additionally, the team once again reminded all owners that the custom of keeping the animal’s legs tied together was inhumane and illegal. (As we’ve reported many times, this practice is severe and can permanently damage the legs.) Better, more humane ways to tie a horse, mule, or donkey, such as using a halter and collar, were discussed as alternative options.

The day before Animal Action's team arrived, we received at our shelter, after an order from the police, an abused, underweight donkey whose leg had a very bad wound due to being bound by a rope. The team took care of him and gave us useful tips and instructions for continuing his treatment.

The team also helped one phobic female donkey who has changed owners three times due to being unmanageable. She was also living with her tied legs. The team took care of her teeth and hooves, and after some useful advice, the owner felt confident enough to remove the rope from her feet. So the donkey lives now with free legs.

This program is vital, and the residents of Amorgos have embraced it and they eagerly await the annual visit of the incredible Animal Action team. For these reasons we want to warmly thank Animal Action for sending us again their amazing team: Kostas, the veterinarian specializing in equines, the farrier Tasos, the equine dentist Alkis and Evridiki. We thank also Hotel Minoa for offering their beautiful rooms for the visiting team at affordable rates. A big round of thanks also goes to the owners of the animals who participated this year and of course our wonderful volunteers who help us each and every time.

If you’d like to help us maintain this important and necessary program, please consider donating here.

Saving Napoleon

Although the practice of tying up an animal’s legs is now prohibited by law in Greece, in much of the Cyclades people still use this method as a means of restraint. And while everyone knows this is illegal, most times it is quietly tolerated by locals. It takes tourists visiting the island who, appalled by what they see, take action and call the police.

This happened a few days ago in Amorgos on the beach of Aegiali. Some tourists were surprised to see a badly limping donkey there. Two of its legs were tied together and the rope had cut a deep wound into one of its legs, which was covered with flies. The poor donkey was clearly in pain and walked with difficulty. The tourists immediately sought help by calling the police and reporting the abuse.

The police officers soon arrived with a representative from the Municipality. After fruitless attempts to find the owner (fines for such cases ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 euro), they handed the donkey over to the Municipality of Amorgos, who then brought it to AZI’s shelter the next morning.

The donkey is an old boy, approximately 30+ years old, malnourished, and has great trouble walking due to the many years of having his legs bound together. We decided to call him Napoleon.

Napoleon is hesitant and fearful of people. On the day he arrived, local veterinarian Dimitris Simos cleaned the wound on his leg. In one way Napoleon was very lucky because on the day after, the equine team from Animal Action were coming to Amorgos for their annual spring visit. Through this amazing program, Napoleon received comprehensive healthcare that included a dental exam, an overall physical, and care for his hooves.

Three days later, another veterinarian, this time from Naxos, examined him by request of the police (required in cases of animal abuse). Each of the veterinarians determined that Napoleon was not fed enough and developed mobility problems due to the practice of tying his legs together for long periods of time, so much so that even after the rope was removed, he continued to walk stiffly (see video).

We hope in time Napoleon will recover from this abuse and learn to trust humans. It is a terrible shame that after so much publicity and education regarding this outdated practice, it still continues. Our work isn’t complete until the day this abuse is eradicated from the island. If you can help us with this cause, please donate here. Thank you!

Mitsos the donkey

We’d like to introduce Mitsos the donkey.

Mitsos, at 30 years old, is an old fellow, and he’s recently arrived at our equine shelter. We’ve been trying to get him over to the shelter for the last two years, as it became clear he had a difficult time working (he walked too slowly and often fell) and that he needed to rest.

His owner is a very old man who was also having difficulty moving himself so our position was challenging as we had to be sensitive to the needs of both the animal and the human.

Fortunately, the owner, after pressure from his children, realized he no longer could take care of Mitsos so it decided that Mitsos would come to AZI’s equine shelter to rest. What a relief for us all!

So now Mitsos can relax and enjoy as many years as he has left to live.

Welcome Mitsos!!

The Annual Visit of Animal Action Hellas

On September 11-12, a total of 53 equines (36 donkeys, 9 mules, and 8 horses) plus 1 cow who was suffering from an abscess on the hooves were seen and cared for by the Animal Action Hellas team in the following areas on Amorgos: Vroutsi, Langada, Tholaria, Potamos, Chora and Katapola.

The residents of Amorgos have embraced the program and they eagerly await the annual visit of the Animal Action Hellas team. The team also gave advice for alternative containment practices in order for the inhabitants to avoid the inhumane and illegal habit of keeping the animals' legs tied together, a practice that can cause severe injuries and permanently damage the legs. 

We want to thank Animal Action Hellas for sending their team: the veterinarian Kostas Okkas, the dental technician Alkis Gkeskos, and the farrier Tasos Skillas. A big round of thank yous also go to the owners of the many animals who participated in the program.

Introducing Frideriki

A few days ago, we welcomed a new donkey to our shelter. Her name is Frideriki and she is 30 years old. Her owner left Amorgos permanently due to health problems and unfortunately he won't be coming back. So Frideriki needed a new home. The only solution for her was to come to our shelter since, due to her advanced age, she can no longer work.

Welcome to our shelter sweet Frideriki!

THISEAS

Thiseas came to our shelter on a cold day in December of 2013. A kind supporter of AZI found Thiseas on the nearby island of Koufonisi, an old donkey in poor condition whose owner no longer wanted him. Since then, Thiseas has lived a happy and relaxed life in our shelter. He has been an active and playful little man, over forty years of age, but in this last year he has lost his appetite for food and life. Thiseas has died but we are comforted in the knowledge that his last years, after all of those years of hard work, were filled with safety and affection from all of us at the Center and from all of those children and visitors who were happy to give him a caress.

Achilleas found his forever home

Achilleas, our beloved equine, traveled from Amorgos to Athens on the 17th of December. The next day he went from Athens to Thessaloniki and specifically to the equestrian Center of Macedonia. Giannis Brastianos, our farrier and his family, have offered Achilleas the safety and warmth of a loving home. 

Besides Giannis and his family, who have always supported our organization, we want also to thank Beatrice Rock who first rescued Achilleas and was taking care of him during the months that she was in Amorgos, and, who supported us financially in order to be able to take care him once she returned home. We want to thank also Lea Voegeli for her help in Achilleas transportation since her help and advice are always precious for us here on the island.

Let us say a few words about how and why Achilleas ended up in the shelter of Animal Zone International. Animals are not toys to be enjoyed and discarded once we become bored with them. We want to beg anyone who is thinking of taking a large animal as a pet to seriously think about the care that must be taken for a lifetime, and, for a horse that can be up to 35 years. Achilleas was rescued from a sad and unhappy environment by a wonderful Italian woman who spends a few months on our island and who, when it was time for her to return home, helped fund the care for Achilleas in our center. The cost is great, both in money and in time, and, we hope that everyone will approach the care for their animals, whether large or small, with care and love.

Looking for a loving home

Achileas is looking for a good home. He is a gelding and about 14 years old. He came to us about 6 months ago because the teenager who bought him realized he couldn't take care him properly.

Achileas has a wonderful, amazing character. He is very friendly, social, and calm. He coexists well with other animals and is overall an ideal horse.

Our shelter is not an appropriate place for a big, young healthy horse like Achileas so we are searching for a more suitable place for him to go. Because of his gentle and sweet nature he will be good company for someone who needs a friend.

Here are 2 short videos with Achileas: 

Equine Shelter Fundraiser

In 2010, Animal Zone International was first moved to rescue equines when members of PMAA, the local animal association, reported the tragic existence of a neglected mare, donkey and mule. These animals were abandoned, castaway as unfit for work, in the middle of nowhere, with no food, no water, and with their legs tied together to restrict their movement. 

To house these rescued equines, AZI financed the construction of a stable on the land offered by the Municipality of Amorgos. Since that time, AZI has sheltered many equines in need.

After nine years of constant use, the stable and shelter in general are in great need of renovation. More urgently, one week ago strong winds blew off part of the roof of the stable, with the result that our animals (1 horse, 1 mule, and 2 donkeys) are now left without proper shelter. 

As it is still winter on the island and the weather is very cold and rainy, it is critical for the roof to be repaired quickly. We are asking for the help of animal lovers everywhere to pitch in to raise emergency funds for this. If we each give a small amount, we will have enough to rebuild the stable. 

Let's work together! These equines deserve a sturdy shelter against the cold winter weather. Our goal is $1,701 (1.500,00 euro). With your generous help we can make it happen!

Dr. Vorisis

The great Dr. Vorisis came to our center to help in the sterilization program that we have begun. Many strays were spayed and neutered but he also saw many of the animals owned by members of our island community who were in need of examinations and vaccines.

Among those animals who came to us was a pregnant goat with a deep wound in her chest which Dr. Vorisis cleaned and planned to suture, but, before he could perform the surgery, this sweet goat gave birth to two handsome healthy boys.

After the birth the doctor repaired the wound and the goat and her babies were returned to their home, where, we hear, they are doing beautifully well.

Thank you, once again, Dr. Vorisis!

Meropi

Our beautiful white mule Meropi is no longer with us.

Meropi came to our equine shelter five years ago once her legs were no longer able to support the heavy loads that she had been carrying through her long life, as well as due to the damage of the hobbling that she endured once those loads were delivered.

After Meropi was freed of these burdens her condition improved and she lived through her last years in our shelter surrounded by peace and loving care. But time moved on and the long years of hard work took their toll on her damaged limbs.

The diagnosis for Meropi was not good, her suffering was great, and, because she was no longer able to stand, we at the Center, along with our veterinarian, felt that the act of greatest kindness would be to send our dear thirty-year-old Meropi to sleep.

She was the sweetest of mules and her strong character had made her the head of the herd at our Center. We will all miss her but we are thankful that, with the help of so many of our supporters, we were able to give Meropi these last beautiful years of freedom and joy.

Heracles

Only a few weeks ago, the children of Chora’s kindergarten were grooming and riding dear Heracles but sadly today he is no longer with us.

Heracles was in very good health, living in our equine shelter, and these last years have been joyous ones for this sweet donkey. But Heracles was very old, and, after a long life on the nearby island of Antikeri, a rocky place without permanent residents, Heracles was chosen come to us in order to be a representative of our equines. He was calm and easy-going and his sweet nature made him popular with everyone he met.

We suspect that the great age of Heracles made his passing an easy one, perhaps his heart gave out, and, now, this sweet donkey lives in the neighborhood of the angels.

Animal Action in Amorgos

On June 13 and 14, a total of 54 equines—31 donkeys, 9 mules and 14 horses—were seen and cared for by the Animal Action team in the following areas on Amorgos: Vroutsi,  Kolofana, Langada, Tholaria,  Potamos, Chora and Katapola.

The team also spoke and distributed leaflets for the inhumane and illegal habit of keeping the animals' legs tied together. This practice is severe and can permanently damage the legs. Instead, the team offered advice about a better way to tie a horse, mule or donkey, by using a halter and collar. The residents of Amorgos have embraced the program and they eagerly await the annual visit of the Animal Action team.

During the days of the program one of our lovely donkeys at our equine shelter, Daisy, who was already very old became seriously ill. She could not stand upright so euthanasia was deemed necessary. Daisy was a very social donkey who became the mascot of our shelter. We already miss her a lot.

We want to thank Animal Action for sending their team: Kleopatra Triantafilou, a veterinarian specializing in equines, the farrier Gianni Mprastiano, our volunteers Lea Voegeli and Giorgos Zafiriou who offer us much help, and Panagiotis Psychogios (the Pensione Panos) who hosted the vet. A big round of thank yous also go to the owners of the many animals who participated in the program.

Announcement: Animal Action

In collaboration with Animal Zone International, the Equine Care team of ANIMAL ACTION  will return to our island this June in order to offer its services to working animals (donkeys, horses, mules) of residents of the island for two days: Wednesday, June 13th and Thursday June 14th. 

To anyone who has donkeys, mules, or horses who need care, please contact Animal Zone International by phone: 22850-71716 and 6974990045 or simply bring the animal to the designated points.

Both a veterinarian specializing in horses and the farrier from ANIMAL ACTION will deworm animals and will take care of hooves and animal teeth for FREE.

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13
AEGIALI
Time: 10:00 a.m. Over Parking Langada
Time: 12:00 p.m. Parking of Tholaria
Time: 13:30 p.m. Parking Ormos Aegiali (next to Lucky Hotel)
Time: 14:15 p.m. Parking of Potamos (Chodrolia)

CHORA
Time: 17:00 p.m. Parking of Chora (to the Health Center)

KATO MERIA
Time: 19:00 p.m. Vroutsi (parking of restaurant Georgalinis)
Time: 20:00 p.m. Kolofana (Agia Paraskevi)

THURSDAY JUNE 14
KATAPOLA
Time: 10:30 a.m. Agrokipio (Next to Exarchopoulos)

Repair of the equine shelter

On a very windy day in December, a piece of wood was ripped from the roof of the stable at our equine shelter, so the animals were exposed to a period of very bad weather conditions.

Responding to our call for help, Mr. Antonis Despotidis, the owner of an organic farm, “To Perivoli,” offered to repair the damage. We want to thank him for his generosity in helping to give shelter to our equines.

Unfortunately, it now seems that the entire roof of the stable must be replaced and the cost will be 1,000 euros.

Won't you help us? Your generous tax-deductible donation would allow us to replace the roof. Please help Animal Zone International in continuing its important work for the vulnerable animals of Amorgos. These retired and elderly equines deserve to live out their lives in peace and comfort. 

Help keep these equines comfortable and protected from bad weather. Thank you for your support!

Marcos

Marcos with his previous owner

Reluctantly getting into the truck

Getting to know Paola the mare

Sharing a meal with Paola

During a recent visit to Amorgos by GAWF's Animal Action’s team, we were told of an old mule living in Vroutsi, who, because of his age and his ill health and injuries, was no longer useful to his owner. We decided to take Marcos to our shelter in Katapola where he could be examined by Animal Action’s veterinarian, a doctor who specializes in equines, and it was found that the mule had many physical problems which included a hip fracture as well as malnourishment. But after dedicated care by our team and a good diet, Marcos is no longer in pain and he has begun to put on weight.

Until recently we have kept Marcos in a fenced in area so that he could rest and recover his strength but now he has joined the rest of our equines. This is another one of the small miracles of Animal Zone International since, Paola, the matriarch of our equine herd and a mare who does not easily accept new members, seems to have understood that Marcos is very weak and unable to kick and she grows ever more gentle with the old mule.

We, at AZI, are happy to say that we expect Marcos to live out his old age in a state of peace and well being.