Our co-founded veterinary practice in Taxiarchis, established in collaboration with ARTEMIS and the Municipality of Istiaia Aidipsos, is central to providing care for the region’s many strays. This month’s efforts not only focused on sterilisation but also on laying the foundation for long-term solutions to tackle the stray animal issue. 

On Wednesday, we were honored to welcome Special Secretary Mr. Chrysakis to the vet practice. A key part of his visit included a meeting with the Mayor Mr. Kotzias and the police director of the local police stations. The meeting highlighted the importance of strengthening collaboration between ARTEMIS, the Municipality, and local law enforcement in addressing the stray animal crisis. 

An ongoing challenge involves owned animals that have not yet been sterilized or microchipped. While official registration may sometimes be lacking, it’s understood within the community who these animals belong to. To address this in a supportive way, local authorities will be conducting home visits and shepherd stall inspections to offer guidance on responsible pet ownership. Where necessary, warnings or fines may be issued to encourage compliance. This collaborative and consistent effort is designed to help reduce the stray animal population over time. 

On Thursday, a special gathering was held at the veterinary practice, where a commemorative trophy was presented to honor the contributors who helped establish it, including ARTEMIS, Greek Animal Rescue, and our team at Animal Action Greece. 

This outreach, combined with the growing collaboration between local authorities, ARTEMIS, and our organization, marks a promising step toward improving the welfare of animals in the region and curbing the stray population. 

Together, we can make a lasting difference.