Dog walkers march to Greek Embassy to raise awareness of strict regulations over dog adoptions
By Charles Harrison
Dog walkers marched from Hyde Park to the Greek Embassy this Saturday to raise awareness of strict regulations preventing dog adopters from taking their pets home.
Hannah Marie-Hill, 27, from Purley in Croydon, began planning the march after hearing multiple heart-wrenching stories of dogs left to die on the streets of Zante.
The would-be dog owners and other supporters walked for half an hour from Hyde Park to Holland Park, via the Greek embassy.
Those wanting to adopt a dog from Greece brought empty dog leads and balloons to symbolise the dog they wish they had with them.
They hope to raise awareness of the issue of stray dogs in Greece, while supporting owners who are still waiting.
EU law requires charities to use the TRACES system in order to transport adopted animals overseas – but, states Greek Reporter, it is unusually difficult for smaller charities in Greece, such Zante Strays, to get the necessary certificates from the government.
This leads to the dog shelters being overrun, and forced to leave dogs out on the street.
“It’s barbaric what happens to the strays,” said Ms Marie-Hill.
“I’ve heard from so many people who are desperate to adopt and it’s just really sad.”
She didn’t want a protest.
“All you’re going to do with that is bring negativity – but we need positivity, so I suggested the walk,” she said.
The Facebook event, named “Paws & March”, reads: “Whether you’re waiting for your Zante Puppy or are lucky enough to have been able to share your love and watch your fur baby grow, but like me are saddened at what has been going on in Zante, then please consider walking with us!”
Ms Marie-Hill stated that many people have told them to simply adopt a dog from the UK – but this, she argues, misses the point.
“It’s not just about adopting, it’s about giving these dogs a stepping stone to a better life,” she said.
Reports from Zante include stories of dogs being poisoned and beaten on the streets.
Two online petitions have run in the last year calling on the Greek government to make the process of getting TRACES paperwork easier, each reaching between 12-14,000 signatures.
Greece has one of the highest populations of stray animals in Europe, with 2 million stray dogs and cats thought to be in Athens alone.
