The bill for pets was presented during the cabinet by the Deputy Minister of Interior Stelios Petsas.
The bill entitled "Argos" and implemented in the context of the Government's pre-election commitment "No stray animals. No abused animals "aims to create an institutional framework for pets and stray animals, harmonized with modern conditions and possibilities. The box that is inserted, aims to improve the living conditions of pets and protect stray animals, through the cooperation of the State, local Authorities, scientists and animal welfare organizations.
With the bill, dominant and homeless, animals for adoption, animal welfare associations and organizations, veterinarians, breeders, shelters and the Public Administration, for the first time, are part of a single formal cooperation platform. Alongside, an integrated stray management program is established at the level of Municipalities, as well as a coherent and representative supervisory framework, so that the implementation of the new law for the protection of pets is not left blank.
in addition to, the list of acts explicitly included in the animal abuse provision is expanded, fines are introduced for new infringements, while existing fines for significant infringements are being tightened.
End, training programs and information activities are provided to improve the education and information of those involved in the effort to protect pets.
The content of the bill is developed in 10 axes:
The "Five Animal Freedoms": The law is now explicitly included in 5 internationally recognized animal freedoms (Freedom from hunger and thirst. Freedom from unnecessary suffering and strain. Freedom from pain, injury and illness. Freedom from fear and anxiety. Freedom of expression of a normal behavior, with suitable living and socializing conditions).
Greece acquires a National Register of Pet Animals: Dominant and homeless, animals for adoption, animal welfare associations and organizations, veterinarians, breeders, shelters and the Public Administration, for the first time, are part of a single formal cooperation platform.
Electronic booklet & digital medical history of the animal: Pets get a digital health record through the National Register of Pets.
Play with rules: Issues concerning the maximum number of births per animal are regulated, permission to reproduce, etc..
The list of transactions is expanding explicitly included in the abuse order, fines for new infringements are introduced and existing fines for significant infringements are tightened.
"Argos" program - resources and obligations of Municipalities: Complete stray management program by each Municipality. Alongside, the necessary resources and procedures for the successful implementation of the program are provided.
Support and incentives for citizens-pet owners: Establishment of incentives by the Municipalities, so that animal citizens can take better care of their pets, such as reduction of municipal fees up to 10% for diligent owners.
Supervision Framework: A coherent and representative supervisory framework is established, with the participation of representatives of KEDE, of the Ombudsman and Animal Welfare Organizations.
Improving education and information for the protection of pets: Educational programs and information activities in local and educational communities.
National Complaints Line: Development of a digital application and a 5-digit number of complaints about incidents of animal abuse and any violation of the legal framework for the protection of pets.
Source:Newsbeast.gr
