| 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! |
| Friends of Animals, c/o Kiki Karathanassi, Adanon 10 - 14341, Nea Filadelphia, Athens, Greece Fax: 210-258-5296 694-494-9741 |