Greece houses more than 50,000 refugees in 32 refugee camps dotted throughout the country.
Like the country’s cities and villages, the camps have become home to stray animals. Left unchecked the number of animals has grown and their health and welfare is poor. In response to a request from Greece’s Ministry of Immigration we visited the country’s largest mainland refugee camp Ritsona.
We discovered that camp is home to a large number of dogs, puppies, cats and kittens, almost none of which were neutered and many of which were in very bad health.
In spite of their own challenges many of the camp’s refugees were going to great lengths to feed and care for the cats and dogs.
Working with the camp administration and residents we have agreed to implement a community-based cat and dog care and management programme.
We will ensure all the cats and dogs are neutered, vaccinated and microchipped and that sick and injured animals have access to veterinary care.
We will also be supporting some of the refugees to develop their animal care skills and to act as animal advocates, monitoring the condition of the dogs and cats and caring for ill, injured and vulnerable cats and dogs.
During our visit we were very moved by the compassion shown by the residents to the cats and dogs they were living alongside. Having fled their homes in search of protection and with little to no resources the refugees were acting generously in their care of the cats and dogs.
We are excited to support them, to develop their skills and to improve the health and welfare of the cats and dogs on the site. We will be sharing more information soon but if you would like to support our work to support vulnerable people and animals please donate via the button below.
