We Need Laws Built On Moral Wisdom
Continuous reports of horrifying animal abuse and neglect in post Olympic Greece, continue to alarm the international animal rights community and global travelers as well.
Individual testimonials and devastating photographs detail graphic evidence of animal related crimes and vicious cruelty. Companion animals suffer unimaginable torment. Farmed animals, once they outgrow their usefulness are not exempt from incredible suffering. Fortunately their deaths, although not merciful, grant them a final peace. Consequently, we have advised global travelers to divert their vacation plans to more gentle and enlightened venues. Tourist revenue is the leading contributor to Greece's gross national product. A decline in the number of visitors to the "Cradle of Civilization" will result in a decline in that revenue.
Sadly, years of political, diplomatic negotiation and dialogue have failed to move the former ruling PASOK party or the present administration and citizenry to positive, humane action. Perhaps further economic failures will animate responsible, elected officials and catalyze reform for Greece's vulnerable and innocent creatures.
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This tragedy is just one of many scandals plaguing Greece at this time and could be averted if the Greek government and society were truly willing to implement humane reform and posture as a positive and exemplary force within the European Union. To date, government action in relation to nationwide cruelty and neglect issues is in a perpetual state of inertia and indifference.
Humane legislation ( Law # 3170) is confusing and convoluted and needs to be repealed. It must be replaced with a law that is boundless with true humane reform protocols.
A very questionable Ministry of Agriculture embargo of abandoned animals leaving Greece for loving homes abroad is causing countless deaths and horrifying suffering within the country. These actions continue to gain notoriety. They are frighteningly stupid and these patterns and connections will be difficult to break.
The Ministry's allegations of dog trafficking is ludicrous, biased and unsubstantiated. The slander and libel of foreign and Greek animal advocates by private citizens and the Greek press is malignant and should and will garner intervention from the European Parliament. This issue warps reality and defrauds justice.
Veterinary civil servants within the Ministry of Agriculture, working in collusion with certain citizens and a ridiculous web site are obstructing justice for Greece's animals at every turn because of personal agendas, paranoia, rabid nationalism and vindictiveness.
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The Hellenic Veterinary Association, obstructive laws and public officials actively dissuade voluntary vets from Europe and the states to enter the country, practice their profession and help mitigate an escalating and horrifying problem. Clinics run by foreign vets are being closed down and the vets intimidated. What an unconceivable scourge and a blistering commentary on destruction.
It appears that certain factions within the Greek government are singularly focused on the obstruction of animal welfare and it's meaningless rhetoric adds nothing to raise the level of humane standards. What event and who will be the catalyst that will bring about positive change?
Defenseless animals are once again taking the proverbial bullet for indifference and inhumanity. What is occurring today in modern day Greece is a moral and social outrage.
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Sent Via Diplomatic Pouch
The world community respectfully urges Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Konstantinos Karamanlis to issue a public proclamation denouncing animal abuse and neglect.
We urge the prelates of the Greek Orthodox Church, an integral part of Greek life, to formally address animal advocacy and welfare issues with their congregations.
We urge Parliament to repeal Animal Welfare Law #3170 and uphold European Union Law, which Greece ratified in 1992 or to enact new legislation that is precise, concise, non-convoluted and protective not only of the companion, farmed, captive and wild animals but of the Greek and foreign animal advocates as well. Officials have consistently ignored or misconstrued the vague and convoluted language in Law #3170.
We urge the Greek authorities to put an end to the puppy mill trade exiting Eastern Europe and to require stringent rules, regulation and licensing for the existing "pet shops" and warehouses where sentient animals are neglected and even brutalized. We urge the prohibition of new "pet shops and pet warehouses" and the strict adherence to mandate for those in existance.
Animal abusers are neither prosecuted nor penalized for their crimes. Advocates, on the other hand, are persecuted for their compassion and humiliated for their actions.
Some are threatened and some have even been jailed. We urge active participation by the Ministry of Justice with regard to the investigation, rigorous prosecution and punishment of those criminals responsible for animal related crimes.
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We urge the Greek government to police the actions of the Hellenic Veterinary Association which rejects spay/ neuter aid from veterinarians in other countries. This is unacceptable. Greece has demonstrated its inability to manage the animal over population crisis.
Lack of government sponsorship and endorsement of a humane shelter system, including the enforcement of suitable legislation, lack of humane education, public awareness, indifference and cultural attitudes have created an emergency situation in Greece.
This situation is out of control and creating image problems for Greece throughout the world.
It would appear from the apathy shown by Greek officials, that Greece's tarnished image is of no concern to their pride, or their gross national product! Invariably, the former will trample the latter.
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Will anyone who stalks the hallowed halls of the stately Greek Syntagma or will any influential Greek citizen have the decency and courage to address the concerns and protests of compassionate people around the world? Does any legislator or any present government official or any opposition party member dare to carry a torch for the thousands of abused and neglected animals suffering in Greece?
Does anyone in this country of Greece with the power to change a destiny even care?
Marijo Anne Gillis
WAGNY
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