Greece launches national animal protection mechanism for disasters

The Greek government has introduced a National Animal Protection Mechanism for natural disasters, designed to replace the fragmented and improvised animal rescue efforts seen during past emergencies.

The initiative was unveiled on Monday in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and was developed by the Ministries of Interior, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, and Environment and Energy in cooperation with animal welfare and environmental organizations.

Unified protocols and clear responsibilities

The new mechanism establishes standardized procedures, clearly defined responsibilities and coordinated command structures for the protection of companion animals, livestock, farm animals, horses and wildlife during disasters.

According to Special Secretary Nikos Chryssakis, animal management during natural disasters had previously been fragmented, lacking a unified operational framework and clear coordination procedures.

Success depends on effective implementation

Elena Dede, founder of Dogs' Voice, which helped develop the mechanism, welcomed the initiative but stressed that its effectiveness will depend on consistent implementation.

She noted that success requires coordinated action across all stages of disaster management, including prevention, preparedness, emergency response and recovery.