We want to introduce you to: A new secretary.

Transcription

1 Newsletter July 2013 Friends of Canilos, Here is our third newsletter. With the following subjects: We want to introduce you to: a new secretary. We want to introduce you to: the ambassador of Canilos. Latest news from Lesvos. Interview with Stavros, our man on location. Daphne van Gent blog about barrel dogs on Lesvos. Sequel of Paula s attic sale. Maria s market stand We want to introduce you to: A new secretary. Our new secretary s age is 68. He graduated in business economics at university level and worked in automobile companies. Later he graduated as a lawyer at university level and started working as an independent insurance adviser. Management experience he gained as a treasurer on the board of a library and as secretary on the board of a tenant association. Here is a picture of our secretary on a beach in the Netherlands with his daughter s dog Swiebertje. Swiebertje was once a stray on Lesvos and is now a very much appreciated family member in Utrecht. 1

2 We want to introduce you to: the ambassador of Canilos There s just animals The many disasters in the world that reach us through the media, show us a pool of human misery. Families are torn apart. By war or natural disasters. Images of injury, death and destruction leave us behind powerless. In that misery there must also be animals but they are rarely or never mentioned. "It s much worse for humans." Of course, but who will care about the fate of the voiceless animals? Do they have rights next to the misery of mankind? Anyone who feels compassion for the animals must often defend himself. But why should animal protectors have no regard for the misery of man? Even without war and natural disasters, animals are very often victims of negligence or ignorance of people. There are numerous examples in the world. Where to start? It s only by chance that during a vacation the fate of the barrel dogs on the island of Lesvos in Greece was seen. It led to the establishment of the Canilos Animal Foundation. I'm impressed with the job that the people of the foundation have set themselves. Starting on the island Lesvos, it deserves praise how they now got locals committed to help search for a solution for the often neglected barrel dogs. Call it a liberation operation. Rosalie Sprooten Ambassador for Canilos Animal Foundation. Rosalie Sprooten is a writer, she has lots of experience with people and animals, is a great animal friend and a passionate animal activist. She was the founder of the Foundation for Animals in Need and Animal shelter Maastricht. She is an active member for the Party for the Animals and is an ambassador for Animal Protection Limburg. Website Rosalie Sprooten: Latest news from Lesvos. Press release. On Thursday June 13, 2013 we rechecked the conditions of barrel dogs spotted in the area of Gera accompanied by two Municipal Policemen. On the positive side, in all cases we rechecked, the conditions of the animals have been greatly improved and/or they have been removed from the dirt-roads and now they are inside their owners properties. On the negative side, we registered 5 new cases of barrel dogs, a clear indication that some continue their unlawful practices. We hope that they will soon stop, as soon as they learn that a new fine has been imposed. 2

3 In particular, the Municipal Police of Lesvos issued a 300 euro s fine to a resident of Pyrgoi Peramatos Geras, for violations of Law 4039/2012 On animal welfare (Article 5, par. 1, case c). In particular, despite our many warnings, the condition of his dog has not improved: the dog has been tied to a metal barrel, with no food & water (photos numbered 7 ) We would like to remind that, according to Law 4039/2012, the full amount of the fine will be directed to the Municipality of Lesvos with the sole purpose of improving the condition of municipal animal shelters and veterinary clinics as well as improving the living conditions of stray animals in general (Article 21, par. 7). In the following weeks similar checks will take place in other areas of Lesvos, with the presence of Lesvos Municipal Police and/or Police who would we like to thank once again for their help. Map of early June, rechecking barrel dogs on Lesvos. 3

4 Interview with Stavros. 1) You used to be a forest ranger. What is it that you love about that job? The fact that I was able, through my work, to protect the environment and nature in general; that I contributed in my own way to the conservation of our island s natural wealth- which is not ours, we are its stewards and we have to pass it on to the next generations. This is an occupation which filled me with energy and satisfaction. It is the same now, since Canilos project is similar to what I had been doing: when you work for the benefit of your area, of the animals, of nature in general, at the end of the day you get a great satisfaction out of what you have done. 2) What do you in your spare time as a hobby? My little free time is full of hobbies. Anything to do with the sea: swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, underwater fishing in the winter, going camping all year round, trekking, and other extreme sports (sky dive, parachute). 3) What do you think about Canilos' goals and what do you think about Canilos (organization from another country) involvement for this cause. I consider Canilos involvement as a gift from heaven. We, the ones try to help stray and abused animals in Greece, are too few and with very little resources. The help from our friends abroad is in fact indispensible. 4) What do you think is the essence of the problem of the barrel dogs? Is the new animal law an improvement? I guess the fact that there have never been any sustained campaigns (by the Greek state or by any groups) nor any information given to the people in the countryside. This is the case even nowadays and this is why a great number of people do not know about Law 4039/2012. Of course, there have been and always will be those who think that in Greece laws are never enforced or those who would grudge oh brother, as if I don t have anything better to do than to worry about the curs!». For the situation to change I believe we should first inform the people about the law and then enforce the law- this is what I have learned from my time with the Forest rangers, the gamekeepers and now with Canilos. 5) What was difficult about dealing with the dog owners? How did they react? Were they aware of the new law? How was the support of the authorities? Every person thinks and reacts differently. It needs patience and to talk to them in their own language, in terms they can understand, for making them realize that this is no joke and that Law 4039/2012, of which they have never heard, is no little thing. Another important bit, which allows you to command greater respect and attention while out at the field, is wearing a uniform: this is why we are using our own uniform, bearing Canilos insignia. The local authorities (the Police, the Municipal Police, the Game Rangers) have been helping us a lot. We have an excellent co-operation and almost every single one of them really cares about the animals well-being. 6) What did you achieve so far? Can you say that in concrete numbers. In how much time? What should be done next en what would you need for that? Since January 2013 we have accomplished something little less than a miracle. To start with, we have 4

5 saved many an animal from their horrible living conditions: we have identified around 350 cases of barrel dogs and in over 90% of those case the owners have complied with our instructions. The most important thing is that farmers and/or shepherds inform one another on dogs well being, telling them that dogs should not be tied on barrels, that they should not be tied with a short chain and so on. Occasionally some misunderstandings occur: I was told of one farmer having a piglet tied up and his neighbor going to him and saying untie the piglet, set it loose! If they (i.e. Canilos) show up you will get a fine!. In order to safeguard all the great things we have achieved so far, we need to continue monitoring, re-checking and assist in chipping the dogs. 7) Do you have any idea why a dog owner would put a dog on a chain on a garbage dump? Is there anything to guard on a garbage jump? Or why chained to an old rusty car/truck? Whoever ties a dog at a garbage dump, on a dirt road, in the middle of nowhere, considers this dog as a tool- and that s it. He only cares that the animal performs a role (e.g. not letting sheep pass or approach a certain point) and if the dog dies he will find a new one- the animal is expendable. 8) Do you think Lesvos will be barrel dog free in the near future? If we have patience, if we insist, if we do not lose our courage, if we work together, then YES we will manage to make Lesvos a barrel dog free island- and we will serve as an example for the other Greek islands. By INFORMING the people, RECHECKING, CHIPPING the dogs and a few FINES by the authorities will do the trickand this disgraceful practice will eventually become a thing of the past. What a life, no life.. by Daphne van Gent On June 3rd, it was finally time, at that time I boarded the plane for 5 weeks voluntary work at EreSOS For Animals on the island of Lesvos. Before I left I knew of the existence of the barrel dogs. You try to prepare yourself for the fact that you're going to see them but even though you think you are prepared... you will still be in shock every time you find a barrel dog. When one dog almost chokes while you feed him / her, another dog s priority is to be cuddled and he gently places his little head against your chest. He will only start eating when you turn your back at him and go away. The going away part is the hardest part. What a life... or should I say, no life for these dear ones, 24/7 on a chain, all alone, abandoned in the mountains or somewhere on a piece of land with nothing to do and no one to see. For every dog I saw inside I screamed; take him / her and release this dog! But..is this the solution? No, the moment someone would set a dog free it is only a matter of time before he or her will be replaced and it will have the same miserable circumstances. Yet another dog on a chain. The positive thing about this story is that in the mountains there are a lot of places where there used to be barrel dogs on the side of the road, which are now abandoned. 5

6 Thanks to the good approach of Canilos Animal Foundation who collaborate with Stavros and various animal organizations on Lesvos. And now they also get the help of the local police. If only their situation could be changed in one day, but that will always remain a dream. And for the barrel dogs that are still there now: You're in my heart and thoughts forever... How emotional meeting with you was, I have no regrets... The meeting with you.. I'll never forget the look in your eyes, so sweet and so true... A life of freedom, full of love and warmth, that is what I wish for you... Sequel of Paula s Attic Sale. Gulpen is a lovely little village in the hills in the south of Holland. Many tourists visit this beautiful region where nature is still pure. My 2nd hand shop is visited by both private residents and tourists. Currently I work with eight volunteers but I am trying to get the store open more hours. Through the volunteer center I m looking for more volunteers. The total proceeds go to the Canilos foundation and it supports Lesvos various projects as already mentioned in previous newsletters. Recently we have added a book / movie / music room. So we reorganized to place more stuff and still keep everything clearly. 6

7 I am very grateful for the volunteers, those who bring the stuff, our buyers and those who give an extra donation. They are making it possible for us to continue our projects. Maria s Market stand Inspired by Paula s Attick sale Maria also collected things that people did not use anymore so she could sell them for Canilos. On the square in front of the campsite in Bakkum she, with her goodies, enjoyed the nice weather. In this way, she raised money for Canilos and made Canilos Animal Foundation more known. Within a few hours she sold for 58,00. Maria told us that people responded very positively and spontaneous and they sometimes also gave extra 'for the dogs'. It was, according to Maria a useful but also very nice afternoon with unexpected conversations. And definitely worth repeating! Who knows this may also serve to inspire others who like to clear out their wardrobes and attic. You don t want to receive this newsletter anymore? If you want to stop receiving this newsletter just send us an at info@canilos.org Do you want to donate? You can by using Paypal. You can find the link here: Or fill in this form and send it to: Canilos Animal Foundation Att. Treasurer Johanna Naber erf HD Dordrecht The Netherlands guidocanilos@concepts.nl 7

8 Support Canilos and together we will make sure that the Lesvos barreldog will be something from the past O I will become a donor for Canilos (minimum 5,00 per month) With an amount of *:.,.. per month.,.. per quarter of a year.,.. per 6 months.,.. per year Date of issue*: Accountnumber*: IBAN*: Your data: O Mr. O Mrs. O Family Initials*:.. Prepostition:... Surname*:. Date of birth:.... Street*: Number*:.... Additive:... Zipcode*:... City*:... *:... Telephone/mobile:.. Signature*:.... * Required fields. O I will give my bank the order to Direct Debit the Canilos Animal Foundation for above. O I wish to receive the digital newsletter. Website: info@canilos.org subscription CoC Bankaccount TRIODOS Adres of bank: P.O Box 55, 3700 AB Zeist, Netherlands IBAN NL45TRIO BIC TRIONL2U ANBI foundation according rules Dutch Tax Service 8