April 4 marks World Stray Animal Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the millions of stray animals—primarily cats and dogs—living on the streets. These animals often find themselves in this situation due to abandonment or because they were born on the streets.
In Greece, April 4 has been officially designated as Pan-Hellenic School Animal Welfare Day for elementary and secondary schools, as per the Ministry of Education’s directive. This day encourages students to engage in a variety of activities such as visits to animal shelters, educational programs, and events promoting the welfare of animals.
Despite revisions to the criminal code in recent years, which have addressed animal cruelty by categorizing certain forms of abuse as felonies, some with mandatory prison sentences, incidents of animal cruelty continue to make headlines in Greece. Stray animals remain a significant issue, with many suffering from poor conditions. Disturbing reports of malnourished, injured, or mistreated animals wandering highways or abandoned in trash bins are sadly common.
Beyond the visible suffering of stray dogs and cats, another tragic sight is that of donkeys and other equines tied in remote fields, with limited access to shade, food, or water. This image is familiar to locals and travelers alike. While some individuals may feel too afraid to report these cases, or simply do not know how to help, there are steps we can all take.
What Can You Do if You Spot Stray Animals?
If you encounter a stray animal, the first step is to contact your local municipality, which is responsible for the care, collection, and registration of stray animals. Municipalities are legally required to implement comprehensive plans for stray animal management, with oversight from the Animal Protection Department of the Ministry of the Interior.
(ΤΑΤΙΑΝΑ ΜΠΟΛΑΡΗ/EUROKINISSI)
Additionally, by contacting a local animal welfare organization, you may receive further information and guidance. Dogs’ Voice, a non-profit organization supporting 132 animal welfare groups across Greece, specializes in crisis management and provides legal support for reports of animal abuse. They also offer a detailed list of local animal welfare organizations on their website, which can be found here.
What to Do if You Witness Animal Cruelty
It’s crucial to understand what constitutes abuse and the necessary steps to report it,” emphasized Christos Petkos, a lawyer specializing in animal law, in his interview with in.gr. Depending on the severity of each case, he suggests that one of the first steps may be to speak directly to the animal’s owner and politely warn them that continued abuse will lead to police involvement. Pet owners should be aware that Greek law protects animals, and we must not overlook any instances of abuse.
If you witness cruelty, you can report it through the Greek Police’s five-digit hotline: 10410, which is dedicated to animal protection. The hotline allows citizens to report incidents of abuse and other animal welfare concerns. You can also contact the General Policing Directorate of the Hellenic Police (+30 213 1520450), which oversees the Animal Protection Department.
For further action, you can file a written report at your local police station, detailing the abuse and providing evidence such as witness testimonies, photographs, or videos. In such cases, the police will initiate criminal proceedings ex officio, meaning the prosecutor will start the legal process directly, without requiring a formal complaint.
Greek Animal Welfare Organizations: How to Help
Across Greece, there are numerous animal welfare organizations working tirelessly to provide care for stray animals. These organizations offer food, veterinary services, and the opportunity for animals to find safe, loving homes. Supporting these organizations can make a significant difference in the lives of strays. You can help by adopting a stray, offering your home as a foster care facility, donating funds, or volunteering your time.
A well-known example is Takis Shelter in Crete, which has been rescuing abandoned animals for over seven years. On their Facebook page, with over 627,000 followers, they shared a message on World Stray Animal Day, calling attention to the “voiceless” and “forgotten” animals—those who are “still waiting.” In their post, they wrote:
“Today is World Stray Animals Day. For the forgotten. For the voiceless. For the ones still waiting. Today, we speak for them. Adopt if you can. Feed them. Sterilize them.
There are many ways to help the strays — and every single one matters.
And while we’re at it — don’t overlook the pigeons. They’re strays too. Silent, injured, starving… suffering right in front of us, yet almost invisible.”
Support Through Easter Bazaars
As the Easter holidays approach, you can also support local animal welfare organizations through Easter bazaars. These events provide a great opportunity to contribute to their missions. Here are some upcoming bazaars:
April 5-6
Woof Festival 2025: 10 AM – 8:30 PM at Pedion tou Areos Park (hosting 9 animal welfare organizations)
Stray.Gr: 10 AM – 10 PM at Sputnik, Kerameikou 46, Metaxourgeio
April 12-13
SCARS – Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, Greece: 11 AM – 8 PM at Soft Skills, El. Venizelou 27, Ag. Dimitrios
