News

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A Generous Donation

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Dr. Parker, an amazing woman. came in contact with us in April to ask us what are the needs of our Center because she wanted to help. Within the variety of needs was also a very practical and useful item for the sterilization programs which is called Queens Cage drop over.

It was a goal and dream of ours to have at least one of those cages one day. Mrs Parker not only immediately offered to buy them for us, not one or two but 10 of them, but she also undertook all the logistics to buy them and send them from the UK to Greece, which was very expensive and complicated, but with her persistence, she succeeded.

We want to THANK SO MUCH Mrs. Parker for her generous donation. We have already used the cages in our autumn sterilization program and they helped us enormously. Thank you!

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Autumn sterilization

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Our Autumn sterilization program has been completed. During the first week of October, the Municipality of Amorgos, in collaboration with Animal Zone International, held a 5-day sterilization program for stray cats. A total of 105 stray cats (70 females and 35 males) from most of the villages of Amorgos were sterilized.

In addition, all animals received vaccines against rabies as well as anti-parasitic treatment. They were also tagged electronically (microchipped). One female kitten with broken leg from Katapola and an old cat with a big wound in her neck for more than 2 years from Potamos remain in our care for treatment. All the other cats were released back to their neighborhoods and from the majority of whom we have news that they are recovering well.

We have many people to thank for another successful program. First and foremost, would be to our amazing veterinarian Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou for her unwavering support and  assistance. She worked intensely and tirelessly to meet the needs of our community.

Next, we sincerely thank the shipping company BLUE STAR FERRIES which is always helpful to the needs of our island and offered free transfer on the distinguished seat to our vet.

Also, we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, and Evangelia Gatsinou who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant but of course also Chariklia Psaki who although the big pain in her legs she offered her assistant when that was needed.

We wish to thank our amazing volunteers who “plowed the island” and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats and of course all the inhabitants of the island who participated and helped each in their own way.

Our spay and neuter programs are vitally important for both the cats and the islanders. Without this effort, the cat population will explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach breeding age very quickly—at just 5 or 6 months they can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all and they soon become parasitic and diseased, suffering from malnutrition and common infections thus increasing discontent in the community. When the cat population is under control, we can provide them with appropriate food and anti-parasitic treatments so that their overall health improves, which reduces the risk of them being considered  a nuisance pest. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved—a win-win for all.

If you’d like to help, please consider supporting our efforts with a donation. We appreciate your help, no matter how small: https://www.animal-zone.org/donate

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Fall sterilization program

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Fall sterilization program

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 — FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th, 2024

The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International will carry out a sterilization program for stray cats. We ask those who take care of stray cats in their area and those who are interested in participating to contact us.

According to Law 4830/2021, article 9 (par. 1) & 10, sterilization of dogs and cats is MANDATORY except for the animals whose genetic sample of material (DNA) has been sent to the genetic storage and analysis laboratory pet.

The surgeries will take place at the Veterinary clinic of Animal Zone International in Pera Rachidi (Katapola)

Contact telephone numbers: 22850-71717 & 697 4990 045

 Sponsor: Blue Star Ferries

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Animal Action's Annual visit

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On June 14th, 15th and 16th, 2024, the equine care team of Animal Action Greece made their 11th annual visit to Amorgos, providing veterinary, dental, and farriery care to the island's equines. The veterinarian Kostas, the equine dental technician Alkis and the farrier Tasos offered their services to 36 equines (24 donkeys, 6 mules, and 6 horses) that are used for various agricultural and transport tasks.

Almost all of the equines needed their teeth fixed and many also needed hoof care. Advice was also given on their proper diet, health, as well as appropriate ways to keep them from running away without the use of pastoura (the traditional practice of tying legs together).

During the visit the team, in collaboration with the local veterinarian Dimitrios Simos, offered their services to a donkey from Tholaria suffering from colic. It was preceded by a visit to our shelter where 4 donkeys and 2 mules housed there were cared for.

Special thanks to Blue Star Ferries and Seajets for their support in helping our project by offering free return ferry tickets on the former and 50% off on the latter for the group members, pension Marousso, Michail Studios, and Ilias Pension for hosting the group, Thomas Rent-a-Car for providing a car for the group's transportation, the restaurants "Kastanis" in Chora and "o Nikos" in Langada, the cafe "Perasma Kastelopetra" and the pastry shop "Kallisto" for covering part of the team's meals.

The Municipality of Amorgos undertook to find sponsorships, and a very big thank you goes especially to Deputy Mayor Popi Despotidi who, from the Municipality's side, was the one who sought the sponsorships and who is always willing to help. For our part, we undertook the organization of the action and covered part of the group's meals.

It's through cooperation and understanding that we can achieve a lot.

A big thank you to the owners of the animals who every year are consistent in our appointment and have embraced this action from the first moment.

And to all our wonderful supporters out there, thank you all for your donations over the years. Please continue to support our efforts and goals by making a tax-deductible contribution here. We need you now more than ever!

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Olivia and Oliver, from Amorgos to the Netherlands

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Olivia (above) and Oliver (below) were found with terrible eye infections on the streets of a village called Langada in Amorgos. Their mother was a feral cat who had hidden her kittens until they were about a month and a half old. This resulted in them not receiving timely eye care and losing their sight. Many residents felt sorry and tried to help them with treatments on the spot in order not to separate them from their mother at such a young age but without success so finally the kittens were brought to our Center. 

When they arrived they were also both suffering from diarrhea. Oliver had already lost both eyes and Olivia had a very limited vision in her right eye. They received treatment and soon there were two active, beautiful kittens available for adoption. 

The good news came from the Netherlands with Olivia first and Oliver second. Our beautiful Olivia traveled to her new home in Holland in February and our sweet Oliver 5 days ago. 

Due to their blindness, these kittens have no chance of survival on the streets and no chance of adoption in Amorgos, so without this chance their lives would have been a limited one. The fact that these families, so many miles away, opened their homes for them makes us extremely grateful to them.

We wish you both a beautiful, happy, and long life together!!

Here’s a short video of Oliver in his new home in Holland: https://youtube.com/shorts/g-Z3V5gXUkI?feature=share

Please donate to help us help other needy animals on Amorogs! http://www.animal-zone.org/donate

SPRING BENEFIT — TUESDAY, May 7th

Music for a Cause:
A Benefit Evening for Animal Zone International

Long Island Concert Orchestra
Chamber Trio

Performing popular and classical music inspired by our furry friends in Amorgos, plus a premiere by David Winkler, LICO’s Composer-in-residence

PROGRAM
Mozart – Divertimento in E flat major
Beethoven – Serenade in D major
Beethoven – Trio in E flat major
Haydn – Divertimenti
  Winkler – Lyric Preludes 

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7 PM


School of Visual Arts
214 East 21st • New York, NY 10010

Master of Ceremonies: Edoardo Ballerini
Award-winning actor, narrator, writer, and film director

Bid on silent auction items such as a Richard Nonas wood sculpture, a William Wegman photograph, and tickets to a Long Island Concert Orchestra performance. 

Tickets: $250

A fully tax-deductible contribution

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Panhellenic Animal Welfare School Day

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The announcement of the Ministry of Education 28131/GD4/15-3-2024 filled us with joy and optimism for the future, as it declares the 4th of April each year as the Panhellenic Animal Welfare School Day. Beginning this year, April 4th, the International Day of Stray Animals, is being established in Greek Primary and Secondary Education schools as Panhellenic Animal Welfare Day.

Expected results of the Panhellenic Animal Welfare School Day are the information and awareness of students about biodiversity and the various forms of life, with an emphasis on well-being and the cultivation of sensitivity and empathy for every living being, the recognition and respect of the rights of animals through their active protection, as well as the involvement of male and female students in activities of taking actions and animal welfare initiatives.

In the context of these actions and after an invitation from the teachers, AZI visited the primary school of Katapola. Together with the students, we watched a short film titled "Life through the Eyes of Stray Animals" and some spots, followed by a discussion about animal welfare. The students then created and painted animal-themed posters and bookmarks and then we walked together to our equine shelter where the children met the animals, learned about them, and treated them with carrots and apples. Τhen the students visited our Center where the local vet Dr. Dimitrios Simos spoke to them, met and played with our cats as well as a baby goat.

It was a very beautiful day for children and adults alike!

We want to warmly thank the teachers who gave us the opportunity to talk to the children and acquaint them with the animals and our Center and shelter.

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Winter sterilization program completed

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The Municipality of Amorgos, in collaboration with Animal Zone International, held a 14-day sterilization program for stray cats. A total of 164 stray cats (80 females and 84 males) from most of the villages of Amorgos were sterilized.

In addition, all animals received vaccines against panleukopenia, calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, and rabies as well as anti-parasitic treatment. Additionally they were tagged electronically (microchipped).

We have many people to thank for another successful program. First and foremost, would be to our amazing veterinarian Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou for her unwavering support and assistance. She worked intensely and tirelessly to meet the needs of our community.

Next, we sincerely thank the shipping company BLUE STAR FERRIES which is always helpful to the needs of our island and offered free transfer on the distinguished seat to our vet.

Also, we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, and our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant.

We wish to thank our amazing volunteers who “plowed the island” and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats and of course all the inhabitants of the island who participated and helped each in their own way.

Our spay and neuter programs are vitally important for both the cats and the islanders. Without this effort, the cat population will explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach breeding age very quickly—at just 5 or 6 months they can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all and they soon become parasitic and diseased, suffering from malnutrition and common infections thus increasing discontent in the community. When the cat population is under control, we can provide them with appropriate food and anti-parasitic treatments so that their overall health improves, which reduces the risk of them being considered a nuisance pest. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved—a win-win for all.

If you’d like to help, please consider supporting our efforts with a donation. We appreciate your help, no matter how small: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI.

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Winter sterilization program

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 — FRIDAY, MARCH 1st, 2024

Come with us to sterilize the strays of our neighborhood!

The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International will carry out a sterilization program for stray cats. According to Law 4830/2021, article 9 (par. 1) & 10, sterilization of dogs and cats is MANDATORY except for the animals whose genetic sample of material (DNA) has been sent to the genetic storage and analysis laboratory pet.

The surgeries will take place at the Veterinary clinic of Animal Zone International in Pera Rachidi (Katapola)

Contact telephone numbers: 22850-71717 & 697 4990 045

Sponsor: Blue Star Ferries

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Voris is adopted!!

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Τhe year 2023 ended with a very beautiful surprise as its finale—both our rescue dogs Jack and Voris were adopted! The Christmas holidays found both our boys in their new homes! Needless to say how happy we felt for that. (You can read their original post here.)

In the 3 years we had had them in our care, there was not the slightest interest shown in adopting them. Not even a message or a question although they were available for adoption through various organizations in Holland, USA and Italy. We don't know if it was because they were old or liked to chase cats, rabbits and birds or if they were just unlucky. What is certain is that their luck turned in their favour. It started with Jack who was adopted in Italy by our good friends Piero and Beatrice. It was as if with this adoption the bad energy broke and in a very short time the good news came for Voris as well.

Initially there was an interest in hosting Voris from a very sweet person, our new friend Rainer who hosted him in his house in Amorgos. At the same time, on the other side of Europe, an effort was being made to find a permanent home for him. The good news didn't take long to come and Voris would be traveling from Amorgos to Sweden with his good friend Rainer. From Amorgos to Athens, from Athens to Denmark and from Denmark to Sweden, until Voris officially became a Swedish citizen!! Enjoy the video with him in his new country where he finally has what every dog deserves, a warm house and his own family to love and care for him! With Kasja it was love at first sight!

We always try to offer the best we can to the dogs in our care. They can have a kennel to protect them from the weather conditions, they can have clean water, they can have proper food, they can have their medication and vet attention and care when needed, they can have their walks and human presence and attention but at the end of the day they will go back to an impersonal shelter cage. Because this is life in a shelter. However, this is why shelters are places of temporary stay. The shelter is the place they will go to be protected from the dangers they face and it is the first step to a better life. Our goal for these animals is always to find their own family and the effort for this does not stop until this goal is achieved.

A HUGE THANK YOU to our amazing dream team who made this happen!!! Some wish to remain anonymous and we will respect that, but to those we are free to name, we thank Fanny, Rainer, Erica, Marie, Beatrice and Kasja. To all, thank yous are not enough for what you did for Voris and Jack. You are all AMAZING!

Have a wonderful long and happy new life sweet boys! We are finally relieved and very happy for you both Jack and Voris!!

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Fall sterilization

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The Municipality of Amorgos, in collaboration with Animal Zone International, held a 5-day sterilization program for stray cats from October 2-6, 2023. A total of 117 stray cats (56 females and 61 males) from most of the villages of Amorgos were sterilized.

In addition, all animals received vaccines against panleukopenia, calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, and rabies as well as anti-parasitic treatment. Additionally they were all tagged electronically (microchipped).

We have many people to thank for another successful program. First and foremost, would be to our amazing veterinarian Dr. Andrianna Alexandropoulou for her unwavering support and assistance. She worked intensely and tirelessly to meet the needs of our community.

Next, we sincerely thank the shipping company BLUE STAR FERRIES which is always helpful to the needs of our island and offered free transfer on the distinguished seat to our vet.

Also, we offer sincere thanks to the Municipality of Amorgos for the continuous support and perfect cooperation, and our Chariklia Psaki who worked eagerly as a veterinarian assistant. We wish to thank our amazing volunteers Giorgos, Fanny, Angeliki, Julia, Mata, Lamia, Eleftheria, Maria, Lilie, Fanny, Alexandros, Georgia, and Sofia who “plowed the island” and went up and down many stairs in order to collect and release cats as well as to assist in the clinic, and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in their own way.

We have renewed our appointment for February for one more sterilization program.

Our spay and neuter programs are vitally important for both the cats and the islanders. Without this effort, the cat population will explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach breeding age very quickly—at just 6 months they can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all and they soon become parasitic and diseased, suffering from malnutrition and common infections thus increasing discontent in the community. When the cat population is under control, we can provide them with appropriate food and anti-parasitic treatments so that their overall health improves, which reduces the risk of them being considered a nuisance pest. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved—a win-win for all.

If you’d like to help, please consider supporting our efforts with a donation. We appreciate your help, no matter how small: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI.

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Feeders for stray cats

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A longtime dream comes true. The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International have placed on a trial basis and at specific points feeders for the stray cats. The feeders were placed on spots where colonies of stray cats already existed and were being fed by volunteers. The purpose of placing the feeders is the existence of constantly available food for the stray cats of these areas as well as the maintenance of cleanliness since the food will not be put on the ground but in the feeder.

It is estimated that this will limit the prevalence of animals that are malnourished, cachectic, and therefore, more vulnerable to disease. It will also reduce the need for stray cats to forage from other sources (such as garbage bins), which in turn creates other problems. Finally, with the intensive program of sterilization for the stray cats that are fed in those specific areas, it is sought not to increase their number further.

The feeders were built with passion and love by Philippe Simermann and painted by the talented Kalliopi-Irini Zogopoulou (Kali). Both volunteered their time and talent and we are sincerely grateful for their generosity. The services of the Municipality of Amorgos will monitor the situation in the areas where the feeders were placed with the prospect of continuing this practice in other parts of the Municipality.

We ask residents who feed stray cats where there are feeders to put the food (dry food) in the feeder and not on the ground. We hope everyone is pleased (including the cats) with this smart improvement!

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Autumn Sterilization program

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MONDAY, OCTOBER 2 THROUGH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023

The Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International will carry out a sterilization program for stray cats.

We ask those who take care of stray cats in their area and those who are interested in participating to contact us promptly at telephone: 22850 71716 & 6974990045.

According to Law 4940/2022, article 52, sterilization of dogs and cats is mandatory except for the animals whose genetic sample of material (DNA) has been sent to the genetic storage and analysis laboratory pet material of article 13.

The participation of volunteers, mainly in catching and transporting animals, will significantly help us help more animals. Thank you!

It's raining Mediterranean shearwater (Puffinus Yelkouan)

Recently, in the area of Aegiali, it has literally been raining birds of the species Mediterranean shearwater (Puffinus Yelkouan). The birds for some strange reason sit on the ground and are unable to fly, although they are neither injured nor sick.

Let us know if you see any of these birds walking on the ground. Two of the birds in the photos are still being taken care of by us. We’ll keep them until they are stronger and can fly freely back to the sky.

Another baby monk seal in need

On Thursday, the 10th of August, we were called to assist the Port police of Amorgos in rescuing a newborn monk seal (monachus-monachus). The baby seal was found by tourists on the remote beach of Agious Saranta in Lefkes. After several hours of monitoring as per the protocol followed in such cases in the hope that she would be reunited with her mom, this was not to be.

Always in collaboration with MOM (an organization for the study and rescue of the Mediterranean seal), it was decided that we had to intervene by removing the animal and sending it to MOM's facilities in Athens, where she would receive proper care from the experienced hands of the people of MOM. Due to bad weather conditions, we could not reach the beach by boat so the only solution was to walk to and from the beach from the path, not an easy matter when carrying a baby monk seal, so we asked the help of the local rescue team EDOK Amorgou which responded immediately.

The baby was transferred to our Center where our vet in collaboration with MOM’s vet gave her first aid. The same afternoon, the baby was boarded on the ship to Piraeus, but sadly, the woman who was monitoring her informed us 4 hours later that the baby had died. Unfortunately, she lost her mom at a very, very early stage and the chances of survival were very slim. She was underweight, dehydrated, lethargic, and with improper breathing so it was difficult from the first moment.

We want to warmly thank MOM for all its support, guidance and cooperation and for the fact that they are the guardian angels of the Mediterranean seal in Greece—they do an incredible job. We also want to thank the tourists who spotted her and called the port police. The port police officers, who responded immediately, went up and down to the remote beach twice in order to check on her during the period and did all they needed to do to help her. The local veterinarian Dr. Dimitris Simos who responded immediately and did his job with zeal so as to offer the baby a chance of survival. The rescue team EDOK Amorgou who responded immediately to our request for assistance. Vaggelis Paravas who has been the head of MOM’s team for years and has the experience for such cases and, although he was on vacation on our island, he left it all back and came to help. Christina Katsarou who escorted the baby on the boat and was willing to offer what was needed to make the trip more comfortable for her. The crew of Blue Star Naxos who always offer their help and do their best. Chariklia Psaki and Georgios Zafiriou, who offered their time and hands and we left for last, Asimakis Pagidas because he deserves a BIG THANK YOU as he is the one who ran the whole project and he did it perfectly.

A very large chain was formed to save a rare baby and though it may not have succeeded we saw once again that there are still HUMANS and there are enough of them who care. But we also saw what survival difficulties these creatures face and why they have come to be considered an endangered species and how important it is to protect it and its habitat.

The Mediterranean monk seal Monachus-monachus is the rarest seal on Earth. With an estimated population of less than 600 in the world, it is one of the rarest and most endangered animal species on the planet and is characterized as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. About half of the population, around 250-300 seals, live in Greece. The fact that the largest population of these endangered seals lives and reproduces in Greece makes our responsibility for their conservation and protection against the dangers they face something that we take very seriously.

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Animal Action in Amorgos

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On June 17th and 18th, 2023, the equine care team of Animal Action Greece visited Amorgos, just like every year for the past ten years, to provide veterinary, dental, and farriery care to the island's equines. The veterinarian Kostas, the equine dental technician Alkis and the farrier Tasos offered their services to 33 equines (23 donkeys, 6 mules, and 4 horses) that are used for various agricultural and transport tasks.

Almost all of the equines needed their teeth fixed and quite a few also needed hoof care. Advice was also given on their proper diet as well as appropriate ways to keep them from running away without the use of pastoura (the traditional practice of tying the legs together).

During their stay, the team visited our shelter where they offered their services to our old folks—the 5 donkeys and 1 mule that we host here. The team had to work in the rain to get all the animals done.

Special thanks to Seajets and Blue Star Ferries for their support in helping our project by offering free return ferry tickets on the former and 50% off on the latter for the group members, Anna Studios and Galini pension for the free hosting of the group, Thomas Rent-a-Car for providing a car for the group's transportation, the "Kamari" restaurant in Katapola and the "Kostaras" restaurant in Aegiali for covering part of the team's meals.

A very big thank you to Deputy Mayor Popi Despotidi who, from the Municipality's side, was the one who sought the sponsorships and who is always willing to help. The Municipality of Amorgos contributed also to the group's transportation. For our part, we undertook the organization of the action and covered part of the group's meals.

It's through cooperation and understanding that we can achieve a lot.

We should also note that the owners of the animals were very hospitable, waited patiently, showed great thanks for the services of the team, offered bottles of roasted raki, and asked us to repeat the action which they embraced from the first moment and for this, they deserve a big thank you!

And to all our wonderful supporters out there, thank you all for your donations over the years. Please continue to support our efforts and goals by making a tax-deductible contribution here. We need you now more than ever!

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Animal Action GREECE

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Animal Action’s Equine Care Team visits Amorgos for 10th time!

In collaboration with the Municipality of Amorgos and Animal Zone International, the Equine Care Team of Animal Action GREECE will visit our island this year once more, to offer its services to the working animals (donkeys, horses, mules) of the island's residents for two days, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June 2023.

Anyone with donkeys, mules, or horses in need of care can contact Animal Zone International at 22850-71716 and 6974990045 or simply bring their animal to the designated points.

ANIMAL ACTION GREECE's equine veterinarian, farrier and equine dental technician will examine the animals and care for the hooves and teeth FREE OF CHARGE.

DATES, POINTS AND TIMES OF MEETING:

Saturday, JUNE 17

Aegiali

Time 10:00 Up Parking of Langada

Time 13:00 Tholaria Parking area

Time: 15:00 Potamos Parking area (Chontrolia)

Chora

Time: 17:00 Chora Parking area (towards the Health Center)

Sunday, JUNE 18

Katapola

Time: 09:00 Agrokipio (Near Exarchopoulos)

The Animal Action team will be able to microchip the working equines of anyone interested.

Suggested token minimum donation: For 1 animal: €20 • For 2 animals: €15 / animal • For ≥ 3 animals: €10 / animal

Note: Based on Ministerial Decision No. 311/62043/2021 it is now mandatory for all equidae to be electronically marked

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Thank you Pension Ilias!

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We sincerely thank Pension Ilias for the generous donation of towels for the animals we care for. Donations like this help our work a lot and on the other hand the towels are not thrown in the trash.

Pension Ilias is centrally located in scenic Amorgos Town. It consists of 2 buildings and features air-conditioned accommodation with balconies overlooking the town or the mountains.

The famous Monastery of Hozoviotissa is 1.5 km away. Agia Anna Beach is at 3 km. Katapola Port is within 5 km. For more information: http://www.iliaspension.gr/en/

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Spring Sterilization Completed

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The Municipality of Amorgos, in collaboration with Animal Zone International and the Greek Action of Volunteer Veterinarians (GAVV/EDKE), held a 2-day sterilization program for stray cats on March 4 and 5, 2023. A total of 69 stray cats (42 females and 27 males) from most of the villages of Amorgos were sterilized. In addition, a surgery was performed to remove a carcinoma from the ear of a stray cat.

In addition, all animals received anti-parasitic treatment and were tagged electronically (microchip).

We would first like to thank the volunteer veterinarians who participated in the action, in particular Dimitrios Papatriandafillou (chief of mission) and Nikos Kakatsidis (who came from England to volunteer his services), as well as Iovi Kotzatisoglou and Elena Gerostathopoulou, for their help.

We sincerely thank the shipping company BLUE STAR FERRIES which is always helpful in the needs of our island and offered free transport to the vets and the GALINI pension and specifically the Despotidis family who offered free accommodations, the MOURAGIO restaurant who offered free dinner both evenings, GLYKA TIS POTHITIS and TELION who offered breakfasts, ELICHRYSON and PANTOPOLEION GEFSEON who offered lunches. But a big thank you also goes to our amazing volunteers: Chariklia, George, Angeliki, Anna, Melina, Lamia, Alexandra, Wendula, Evangelia, Asimakis, Georgia, Michalis and Manolis who collected and released the cats and helped at the clinic, and of course all the inhabitants of the island who helped each in their own way.

Our spay and neuter programs are vitally important for both the cats and the islanders. Without this effort, the cat population will explode to unsustainable levels. Cats reach breeding age very quickly—at just 6 months they can have two or three litters a year. When there is an explosion in the cat population, it is difficult to feed and care for them all and they soon become parasitic and diseased, suffering from malnutrition and common infections thus increasing discontent in the community. When the cat population is under control, we can provide them with appropriate food and anti-parasitic treatments so that their overall health improves, which reduces the risk of them being considered a nuisance pest. Suffering is reduced and harmony is achieved—a win-win for all.

If you’d like to help, please consider supporting our efforts with a donation. We appreciate your help, no matter how small: https://tinyurl.com/Donate-AZI.