Stray animals in the Municipality of Tripoli are experiencing a difficult reality that can no longer be ignored. The situation has reached a critical point, as repeated incidents of poisoning, deaths and neglect demonstrate serious management problems and a lack of respect for the lives of these creatures.

The tragic image of indifference

In recent weeks, incidents of poisoning and death of dozens of animals have been recorded in villages of the Municipality, such as Partheni, Manthyrea and Makri. Partheni already counts fourteen dead animals, including dogs, cats and wild animals such as foxes. Residents are reporting, but the response from the Municipality is incomplete to non-existent.

A shocking image is the transportation of dead animals in bags, loaded onto a cart, to the veterinary hospital for necropsy — an act that shows a lack of respect and culture, revealing the sloppiness that characterizes the management of strays.

Problems in the Five-Member Stray Animal Management Committee

The Cultural Animal Welfare Association of Tripoli, which had an active participation in the Five-Member Stray Animals Management Committee, resigned due to serious institutional dysfunctions. In the letter with protocol number 200/25, which was communicated to, among others, the Municipality of Tripoli, the Ministry of Interior and the Tripoli First Instance Prosecutor's Office, the association points out the following:

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No. Prot. 200/25
TO: Municipality of Tripoli
NOTIFICATION:
Ministry of Interior
Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals
Tripoli First Instance Prosecutor's Office

SUBJECT: Resignation from the Five-Member Committee for the Management of Stray Pets of the Municipality of Tripoli

Distinguished gentlemen,

Hereby, our Association CULTURAL ANIMAL ASSOCIATION OF TRIPOLI informs you of its decision to withdraw from the Five-Member Stray Pet Management Committee of the Municipality of Tripoli, due to a series of serious institutional dysfunctions that make it impossible to continue our participation under conditions of transparency, accountability and effectiveness.

We tried throughout our term to find ways to cooperate with the Municipality with the sole aim of the welfare of stray animals, and despite our efforts to have this committee operate in accordance with its mission and its legally defined role, we were unable to do so.

Despite our repeated efforts and suggestions, we found the following:

• Lack of Transparency in Finances: We were never provided with any expense receipts or financial information regarding the operation of the shelter or the care of the animals. Our requests were ignored and we were directed to search for them on the Municipality's digital platform, without providing specific records or reports.
• Failure to inform about Contracts and Assignments: No contract or assignment of work concerning strays was notified to the committee before signing, resulting in the systematic downgrading of our role.
• Lack of Information on Collection and Reintegration: Despite our repeated suggestions, we do not have access to data on collection and reintegration procedures, nor on the care of animals at reintegration points.
• Opacity regarding Animal Deaths: We have never received official information about cases of animal deaths at the municipal shelter, nor any justification for these incidents, despite the concern that has been caused in the local community.

The recent incidents of animal deaths in areas of the Municipality confirm our fears of serious omissions and inadequacies in management. We do not intend to continue to participate in a process that operates more pretextually than substantively. We no longer refuse to be complicit in the sloppiness-inadequacy that characterizes the Municipality of Tripoli in the issue of stray animal management.

We declare that our association will continue uninterruptedly and selflessly the work of protecting animals, with its own strength and without dependence on institutions that prove unsuitable or indifferent to their purpose.

With respect,
The president
George Zafirakis

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Inadequate reaction and silence

Despite the constant complaints and voices of the local community, the competent municipal services remain silent or respond with general announcements that do not reflect the real situation.

The questions that arise are many:

1. Are the police immediately informed of poisonings?
2. Are there legal procedures and lawsuits for poisoning incidents?
3. Are necropsies performed on dead animals?
4. Are animals properly recorded, cared for and rehabilitated?
5. How many of the dead animals were rehomed and under what circumstances did they die?
6. Why does the municipal authority refuse to make public practical and financial data regarding the management of strays?

A call for respect and action

Animal protection is not just a matter of love for life. It is a matter of culture, humanity and respect for life. The Municipality and local authorities must assume their responsibilities, ensure transparency, effective management and compliance with the legislation.

The Cultural Animal Welfare Association of Tripoli calls on all citizens to wake up, be informed and demand action and responsibility from those responsible.

Stray animals 🐾 deserve a life of respect and protection — not indifference and abandonment.