Volunteers look after dogs at a rescue station that had been set up at the former Lato quarry in Galatsi in Athens during a wildfire in July 2023, in a photograph posted by Dog’s Voice on its Facebook page.
The government has launched a National Animal Protection Mechanism for natural disasters, unveiled Monday with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in attendance. It is aimed at ending the chaotic, improvised animal rescue efforts that have characterized past emergencies.
The mechanism establishes unified protocols, defined responsibilities, and coordinated command structures for all categories of animals – companion, farm, livestock, equine, and wildlife. It was adopted by the ministries of Interior, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, and Environment and Energy in cooperation with animal welfare and environmental organizations.
“Until now, management of animals during natural disasters was largely fragmented, without a unified operational framework, clear roles, or predetermined coordination procedures,” said Special Secretary Nikos Chryssakis.
Elena Dede, founder of nonprofit Dogs’ Voice, whose organization helped develop the mechanism, cautioned that its success depends on consistent implementation across all disaster management pillars: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.
