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Greece Wildfire: Animal Rescue Operation Underway as Flames Threaten Porto Germeno
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Greece Wildfire: Animal Rescue Operation Underway as Flames Threaten Porto Germeno

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A national animal protection mechanism activated during a wildfire in Porto Germeno, Greece.
  • Rescuers worked to save over 30 animals trapped in yards and homes, with more expected.
  • A reception center was established to temporarily house rescued animals.

As wildfires raged in Porto Germeno, Greece, a parallel and equally challenging operation unfolded to rescue animals endangered by the flames. The National Mechanism for Animal Protection in Natural Disasters was activated, with the Special Secretariat for Companion Animal Protection of the Ministry of Interior coordinating efforts. Representatives from all relevant bodies were present at the National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management to ensure continuous situational awareness and immediate coordination.

The 10400 hotline remained ready to receive reports of animals in danger throughout the operation. A specialized rescue team from Dogs' Voice was on the ground from the outset. By Friday evening, they had safely relocated over 30 animals, and rescuers anticipated this number would rise significantly. Volunteers mapped homes near the active fire front, identifying and moving animals left trapped in yards without their owners, while also working to rescue stray animals wandering the area.

The task proved particularly demanding in Porto Germeno, an area with numerous summer homes, many of which were closed. The region also hosts many stray animals, as well as livestock and shepherd dogs. Rescuers expressed concern that numerous animals might have been left tied up or trapped, with no one to move them in time. "Once again, we implore the obvious: do not leave your animals behind. They are your family members and depend entirely on you to be saved," Dogs' Voice stated in a release.

In collaboration with the Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia, a reception center for animals was established at the Vilia Stadium. Rescued animals are brought here to be registered, examined, and temporarily housed safely. Rescuers highlighted the crucial cooperation with Deputy Mayor Dimitris Pagonis, who supported the operation from its inception, ensuring municipal assistance and the functioning of the reception center. The Dogs' Voice team continues to receive reinforcements.

Once again, we implore the obvious: do not leave your animals behind. They are your family members and depend entirely on you to be saved.

— Dogs' VoiceA statement from the animal rescue organization urging pet owners not to abandon their animals during the wildfire.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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