Joint action between the community and various entities to combat the issue of stray animals in Messinia
CostaNavarino and
the “Captain
Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos” Foundation presented today their
three-year plan “A stray-free Messinia,” which will be implemented by the
non-profit organization Dogs’ Voice in collaboration with the Municipalities of Pylos-Nestor and Trifylia.
The first phase of the program was implemented between November 22 and 24, 2019, resulting in the examination, spaying, vaccination and microchipping of 136 dogs as well as the successful adoption of 54 dogs, who have now found a permanent home. The program focuses of spaying, education and volunteering, and was carried out with the help of 22 veterinarians belonging to the Greek Action of Volunteer Vets, 78 volunteers and 12 sponsors in three veterinary centers in Pylos, Gargaliani and Kyparissia.
The second phase of the “A stray-free Messinia” program is scheduled to take place between April 6 and 12, 2020 and includes more spayings as well as educational programs aimed at students and entities at all levels. Part of the second phase is the nation-wide educational and awareness campaign on animal adoption, selflessly supported by people from the fields of the arts and sport, such as Giorgos Kapoutzidis, Nadia Kontogeorgi, Leonidas Koutsopoulos and Thodoris Papaloukas.
In his introductory speech, Mr. Achilleas V. Constantakopoulos, Managing Director at TEMES and the “Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos” Foundation, stated the following: “I would like to thank all those who actively participated in this action; our municipalities, veterinarians, animal welfare organizations, volunteers and supporters. The way our society has embraced this joint effort, expressing the need to address the serious issue of stray animals, is truly touching. It is inconceivable for a region such as ours, which wishes to be synonymous with quality and sustainable development, to have thousands of stray animals on the streets. We believe that our region can serve as an example for others to follow, leading us eventually to a stray-free country.”
The event-presentation took place in Navarino Dunes, Costa Navarino, and was attended by many notable persons. In his speech, the Mayor of Pylos-Nestor Mr. Panayiotis Karvelas stated the following: “With the long-standing support and collaboration of TEMES, as a municipality we have succeeded not only in promoting our region around the world, but also in resolving many everyday issues such as the management of stray animals.”
Moreover, the Mayor of Trifylia Mr. Giorgos Leventakis noted that: “Our efforts for the wellbeing of stray animals and their smooth coexistence with humans will continue with diligence, in close collaboration with the competent bodies, volunteer associations and veterinarians as well as the active citizens of our municipality, who take care of them on a daily basis.”
More than 30 volunteers, veterinarians, supporters and participants of the program, with the help of whom the first phase was concluded successfully, were awarded during the event. Special thanks for their selfless contribution were extended to advertising company “Tribe,” production company “FeelMeFilms,” Ms. Lelia Andronikou and “Podimatas Group.”
