In relation to various public statements that misinform the public, we would like to clarify that the sending of a sample of genetic material (DNA) concerns exclusively those domesticated animals whose guardians choose not to be sterilized and will pay a fee of 150 euros.
As long as the dogs or cats are sterilized, the tanduktoto does not pay any other fee. The animal’s veterinarian certifies whether the animal is sterilized or not. It should be noted that if the guardian of the animal belongs to a sensitive or vulnerable group (at least disabled people, single-parent families, families with three children, large families, unemployed people registered with the OAED and living on the minimum guaranteed income) he is entitled to free sterilization, marking and vaccination of his animal (article 4, par 13 of law 4830/2021). Dogs intended exclusively for guarding flocks (i.e. sheepdogs ) are entitled to vaccination, marking and sterilization or sending a DNA sample completely free of charge, regardless of the financial situation of their guardian . It should be noted that sterilization helps the health of animals by protecting them from pyometra, genital cancer, hormone-dependent cancers, prostatitis, orchitis, transmission of infectious diseases, etc.
With Law 4830/2021 on the protection of companion animals and in order to be able to proceed with the management of stray animals in our country – it is worth noting that research speaks of more than 3 million stray dogs while showing that the source of the problem is found in the abandonment and irresponsible breeding of domesticated companion animals – the obligation of the owner of a companion animal was institutionalized either to sterilize his animal or to send a sample of genetic material to the genetic material storage and analysis laboratory. Art. 46 of the law stipulates the issuance of a relevant MH. Due to the failure to establish the genetic material storage laboratory to date, sterilization was suspended by decision of the Deputy Minister of the Interior. However, breeding throughout this time was illegal and remains so, as it is permitted either by certified professional breeders, certified amateurs or by guardians of domesticated animals only once in their lifetime and with the permission of a five-member municipal committee.
In just 9 months since the establishment of the Special Secretariat, the Laboratory for the Storage and Analysis of Genetic Material, EFAGYZS, based at the IIBEAA, is one step closer to its official operation. A necessary condition before its operation was the issuance of the relevant MH as stipulated by law 4830 from 2021.
After continuous meetings with all the relevant bodies, consultations, the issuance of the relevant Ministerial Decrees and Joint Ministerial Decisions, and a lot of work, we are almost ready to proceed with the end of the suspension of sterilization of pet animals that have an owner.
The EFAGYZS will soon begin its operation. The relevant official announcement of the launch will be made by the Ministry of Interior through the issuance of a relevant declaratory act so that all pet owners and all relevant bodies are informed. Veterinarians will also receive special information.
The establishment of the laboratory and the implementation of the law is not an act that is completed within a few months as many believe. A multi-month process with many and difficult issues to resolve which is an emblematic work of the law and the Special Secretariat will be carried out in accordance with the provisions as defined in the relevant law passed in 2021.
The operation of the laboratory is an important project as it will put an end to illegal breeding, if the owner of a pet does not wish to sterilize it. It is characteristic that if newborn animals are found from a mother who has an owner, then they are prosecuted for a felony and fined 30,000-50,000 per animal. Whoever provides the puppies (citizen or Municipality) is not financially burdened for the DNA collection.
To those who question the effectiveness of the laboratory, we must say that we believe it will be an important tool in birth control and illegal reproduction. It has been established by leading scientists and is a global prototype in a country that is in great need of it with millions of stray animals.
For so many years we have been looking at the trees and we have missed the forest which is nothing more than the uncontrolled reproduction and abandonment of domesticated animals. Because strays did not sprout or fall from the sky, they are domesticated animals that were abandoned either themselves or their puppies/kittens. For the first time, we are focusing on the root causes of the problem, and not just on treatments, in order to provide a definitive solution.
Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals
<!– important to use
