How One Woman’s Determination Sparked a National Movement for Greece’s Working Equines
More than 30 years ago, on the sun-baked Greek islands of Chalki and Symi, a single visit by a UK vet planted the seeds for a movement that would change the lives of thousands of Greece’s working equines. It was 1992 when Janet Eley, a UK-based veterinarian, travelled alone to Greece. She was struck by […]
Huge wins for Animal Welfare in Europe
Written by Serafina Avramidou, Animal Action Greece, Animal Welfare Manager. Last week brought two major breakthroughs for animals across the EU – and we’re thrilled to celebrate alongside our partners and supporters! 1. A turning point in the fight against animal testing On 16th June, EU lawmakers finalised the One Substance, One Assessment (OSOA) framework […]
Don’t be an ass: our bold new campaign
WHY “DON’T BE AN ASS”? We’ve called this campaign Don’t Be an Ass, because while the title might raise an eyebrow, the message is serious: Greece’s working equines deserve better. All around Greece, especially in rural areas, thousands of horses, donkeys and mules spend their lives working, many times relentlessly – long hours, over rugged […]
Providing equine care on Amorgos
In June 13th and 14th, 2025, the Animal Action Greece equine care team completed their 12th annual visit to Amorgos, providing essential veterinary, dental, and farriery care to the island’s working equines. Veterinarian Kostas, equine dental technician Alkis and farrier Tasos offered their services to 44 equines (31 donkeys, 7 mules, and 6 horses) that […]
Refugee Camps Project Phase 1 – a Resounding Success
After months of planning, Phase 1 of the Refugee Camps Project came to life between April 29 and May 7, 2025 — delivering remarkable results and demonstrating the power of global teamwork. This collaborative initiative was made possible thanks to the vision of Iris Kalfopoulou, Associate to the General Secretary for Asylum Seekers at the […]
Hydra Equine Outreach 2025
The equine outreach team conducted its annual visit to the island of Hydra on the 9th-10th May. Veterinarian Kostas Okkas, dental technician Alkis Gkeskos and farrier Vaios Bakratsas offered their services to 41 equines (23 horses, 15 mules and 3 donkeys). From left to right: Veterinarian & Equine Programme Coordinator Elisa, Equine owner Nektarios, Farrier […]
2025 Equine Outreach to Andros
From March 22nd to 25th, 2025, the Animal Action Greece Equine Care Team traveled to Andros to provide veterinary, dental, and farriery services to the island’s equine population. The team, comprised of veterinarian Kostas Okkas, dental technician Alkis Gkeskos, and farrier Tasos Skyllas, visited 23 villages across the island, treating a total of 85 equines—43 […]
Calling on the EU to act: end the illegal pet trade now
Animal Action Greece stands with over 50 organisations calling for stricter amendments to the Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability. We are proud to have signed the joint open letter to Members of the European Parliament, calling for decisive action to protect companion animals across the EU. Snatched from their […]
Our 2025 annual visit to Agia Marina Donkey Rescue
The AAG Equine Care Programme has been supporting the Agia Marina Donkey Rescue for over a decade. The sanctuary provides a safe and caring retirement home for hardworking donkeys from Crete and other parts of Greece. The original founders, Barbara and Fanis, are now assisted by their children, Mihalis and Georgia, who continue the family’s […]
Equine Care in Samaria Gorge
A few decades ago, working mules, local donkeys and local breed Giorgalidiko horses were a common feature of everyday life in the villages of Crete. Life moved at a gentler pace; free of traffic noise, the air was cleaner, and streets were safer for pedestrians – a more harmonious rhythm of life. Although those times […]