From 7th–12th April 2025, in the week leading up to Easter, we were proud to support a large-scale spay/neuter outreach campaign in Taxiarchis, Istiaia, led by the dedicated local animal welfare group ARTEMIS. This campaign was carried out at their veterinary practice and supported by Animal Action Greece, the Municipality of Istiaia-Aidipsos, Greek Animal Rescue, and Zero Stray Pawject.
Over just six days, 426 stray animals—307 cats and 119 dogs—were sterilised. In addition to sterilisation, all animals were microchipped and registered under the Municipality, vaccinated against rabies, and given antiparasitic treatment. Dogs also received leishmaniosis testing, in line with the requirements of Greek law (L.4830/2021).
The medical procedures were conducted by an experienced Romanian veterinary team comprising four veterinarians and three assistants. Two of the vets specialised in capturing difficult-to-trap dogs, while Alexis Mantzoros—widely known as Greece’s “trapper king”—focused primarily on cat trapping and also managed to safely trap a number of dogs.
Of the 426 animals treated, 207 cats and 85 dogs were humanely trapped by the team. The remainder were brought in by local residents who had been encouraged to participate through community outreach. Prior to the campaign, ARTEMIS informed the public via fliers distributed throughout the area, which explained the importance of sterilisation, outlined the procedures involved, and invited residents to report strays in need of help. Locals applied through the Municipality, providing details about the animals they cared for and whether they required assistance with trapping or transport.
Despite poor weather in the first two days, community involvement remained strong. Residents travelled from up to 45 minutes away to ensure the animals in their care received treatment. This is particularly impressive given the challenges of the region: the Municipality of Istiaia-Aidipsos spans over 500 km² and includes hard-to-reach coastal and mountainous areas where many shepherds and hunters reside. Through ongoing collaboration with Zero Stray Pawject, ARTEMIS is also able to offer free microchipping at their clinic to owned animals from vulnerable social groups, including working dogs.
To ensure clarity and accountability, every person bringing an animal to the clinic was asked to sign a waiver acknowledging that sedation and surgery would be carried out. In cases where underlying health concerns were identified, the veterinary team would either consult the carer before proceeding or act in the animal’s best interest if contact could not be made.
This campaign highlights what can be achieved when expertise, persistence, and community collaboration come together. Since their veterinary clinic formally opened in early 2023, ARTEMIS has now helped over 3,100 animals. For a team of just five volunteers operating in one of Greece’s most underserved areas, that is nothing short of extraordinary.
At Animal Action Greece, we are committed to supporting local organisations like ARTEMIS, who are creating lasting change for animals through hands-on work and tireless dedication. We’re proud to stand by them—and to stand by every person who continues to care for Greece’s stray animals with compassion and commitment.
