Advertisement - Friends of Animals - Rescue Shelter

Puppy Mills in Greece / Balkans

In 2009, an illegal puppy farm was discovered in
Dervenochoria, Greece.

A total of 54 dogs found in terrible condition inside
containers and large refrigerators.

A total of 54 dogs were saved from the suffering they were subjected to
by their illegal breeders in Dervenochoria in the area of Viotia, thanks to
the coordinated efforts of volunteers and stray dog welfare
associations, including Stray.gr, under the coordination of the
Panhellenic Dog Welfare Federation.

The couple kept its illegal puppy farm in the back yard of their house,
where 54 poor dogs were found closed up in containers and
refrigerators, in terribly unhealthy conditions of very poor hygiene and
without even the minimal veterinary observance. All dogs are pure-
breed (Shih tzu, Yorkshire terrier, Chow chow, Beagle and Spitz
breads) and were bred with the sole purpose of financial gain through
their illegal supply in the Greek market.

The existence of illegal puppy mills was unknown to Greece until
this terrible case was unveiled in late March 2009, as most Greek
pet shops are supplied illegally from Balkan countries.

Unfortunately, we now receive extensive indications regarding multiple
cases of similar illegal farms throughout the country. We hope that the
State resumes its responsibilities and upholds the respective laws
which utterly forbid such illegal, unethical and inhuman activities.

The dogs found suffer from cases of serious skin problems, such as
psoriasis and pious dermatitis, with multiple skin lesions and lack of
fur in large surfaces. Many dogs have lost one or both of their eyes,
some are suspect cases of erlichiosis and leishmaniasis, while two
are semi-disabled – the latter constitutes a criminal offence.
Furthermore, some females (including two Yorkshires) are pregnant.

Out of the 54 dogs, many are kept in kennels and vets while the rest
are kept in volunteers’ homes. The process of their therapy is already
under way, with the help of expert vets, in an effort to improve the
physical and psychological condition of the poor dogs.
All dogs will be given to foster families, following careful screenings,
for adoption when healthy.

Update: November 2009 - Puppy Mill busted outside of
Athens and Stray.gr has over 50 dogs (boxers,
rottweilers, maltese, and more) to sterilize, vaccinate,
and get healthy again. To help visit their website at
www.stray.gr.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PUPPY MILLS
Click here for RSPCA Reports

On Facebook click on Group and type in 'Puppy Mills' and educate
yourself - there is no such as a pet store pet that is not a product of a
puppy mill!