Useful information and interesting facts about World Stray Animal Day and suggestions for helping stray animals.
April 4th is World Stray Animal Day and a sweet reminder to do our part in caring for the 6,000,000 stray animals around the world. These are creatures that live off of human care and face daily challenges in finding food, protection from the weather, and even their own survival.
World Stray Animal Day is a good opportunity to raise awareness about the existence of stray animals and to take action to contribute in our own way to their well-being. Below we will present interesting information about the stray animals that live among us, give useful advice on their adoption and highlight the most effective ways to help.
What you need to know about World Stray Animals Day
World Stray Animal Day was established by Dutch animal welfare organizations in 2010 with the aim of raising awareness among the international community. Through this World Day, animal lovers and animal welfare organizations invite us to adopt a stray animal and to contribute to actions for their protection and the improvement of their living conditions. At the same time, the Day is also a deterrent to everything related to the abandonment of domestic animals on the street but also to inhumane behaviors towards stray animals that live next to us.
But how was April 4th chosen as World Stray Animal Day? The answer lies in three reasons: As World Animal Day is celebrated on October 4th, a day was chosen that is exactly 6 months later, that is, half a year later. 4/4 is easy for everyone to remember. Finally, there is no important celebration that is combined with this day.
Interesting facts about World Stray Animals Day
But let's focus on Greece. In our country, the issue of stray animals is a chronic and painful wound. According to estimates, as there is no official registration, their number today has exceeded 3,000,000 and is heading towards 4,000,000. This number was officially confirmed in 2022 by a study by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). The shocking thing is that the rate of flow of new strays daily in Greece is increasing by leaps and bounds, despite the actions of animal welfare organizations to inform citizens. In fact, everything indicates that the abandonments concern more hunting dogs and shepherd dogs.
On the other hand, it seems extremely optimistic that in Greece it is estimated that there are more than 130 animal welfare organizations which, through their work, are trying to limit the dizzying rate of increase in stray animals and improve their living conditions. It is only worth mentioning that a stray animal that lives on the street after being abandoned by its owner has an average life expectancy of just 2 years. Another shocking fact is that companion dogs amount to 470,000 and stray dogs reach 430,000 million worldwide.
However, we must note that for most animal welfare organizations in our country, it is common ground that the contribution of associations, doctors and volunteers is not enough, but that measures need to be taken by the state as well. More specifically, they propose the creation of kennels and municipal veterinary clinics in every municipality in the country, the implementation of the directive on mandatory microchipping, the creation of Animal Police and the tightening of penalties for animal abuse.
Useful tips for responsibly adopting a stray animal
Above it became clear that the problem of stray animals exists and World Stray Animal Day is a good occasion for it to come to the surface and engage the public debate. Indeed, there are many ways to effectively contribute and help stray animals. It is very likely that the phenomenon is also evident in your neighborhood, where you have the opportunity to help directly.
The moves are simple but their importance is very great. For example, place a bowl of water in a place easily accessible to stray animals. The same goes for a bowl of food for dogs and cats in a place they pass by frequently. As for days with intense cold due to low temperatures, creating a corner with an old blanket in an outdoor area can warm a stray animal. On the same days, be careful with your car and check the hood before starting the engine as a cat may have perched there. Finally, if you see an animal that has been beaten, do not neglect to take it to the vet or ask for the assistance of an animal welfare organization.
The best way, of course, to contribute to reducing the issue of stray animals is to adopt one of them and offer it the love and care that will change its life. It is hopeful that in recent years more and more people are entering the process of adopting a stray animal. But how does one adopt a stray animal?
Initially, we must clarify that adoptions are the responsibility of the Municipalities with the assistance of animal welfare associations. In general, your options are two, namely adoption from a shelter or association and adoption of a stray animal.
The first step to be taken in order to adopt an animal from a shelter or animal welfare association is to sign a solemn declaration of Law 1599/1986 by the new owner, in which the receipt of the animal is declared, his obligation to comply with the obligations set out in article 2, paragraph 1a and his knowledge of the sanctions of article 12. Also, before receiving it from the shelter, the new owner must ensure that it is marked and registered (with a special chip), as provided for domesticated animals. A different procedure applies to adoption from a European Union association.
In the event that the animal is stray, the owner must inform the Municipality in whose registers it is registered and, within 20 days, tag it with a microchip.
It is also worth mentioning briefly about fostering. In Law 4830/2021, a fosterer is defined as a natural person who temporarily hosts one or more stray companion animals until they are adopted. A fostering contract is signed between the fosterer and the Municipality/animal welfare association or organization/natural person, which defines the obligations of the fosterer and any other necessary details.
How petchef helps dogs in need
At petchef , we try to do the best for our dogs' food, but it is also our obligation to help dogs in need.
In 2023, we donated over 100 kilos of food to the shelter of the "Animal Welfare Association of New Philadelphia" and to the temporary shelter of "Dog's Voice" that had been set up due to the devastating fires of the Summer. While for December 2023, the opportunity was given at the end of the order, for dog owners to add any amount they wished for a good cause. For every 1€ they offered, petchef added another one. The total amount was allocated entirely to the Voluntary Association of Animal Welfare of Petroupoli "Save the Tails". Also, for every dog adoption from the "Animal Welfare Association of Nea Philadelphia" and the "Animal Welfare Association of Nikaia-Keratsini" we offer the first week's food, treats and a discount coupon for our four-legged friend.
This year, we are collaborating with the Animal Welfare Association of Nikaia-Keratsini, where for every order with one of our delicacies, we will offer another one at the association's Easter bazaar to boost its income, which is allocated to the needs of the animals they care for daily!
The club's Easter bazaar will take place on Saturday 20/4 and Sunday 21/4, at the "Manos Loizos" Cultural Center, Thivon 245, Nikaia, 11:00-20:00. You can visit the bazaar with your four-legged friend, learn about the club's work and of course find out how you can help!
Give a stray animal the chance to find a loving home and become the heroes who will change its life! 🧡