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 are used for various agricultural and transport tasks across the island.
Amorgos is one of the most spectacular islands of the archipelagos of Cyclades. It has tall rugged impressive mountains with sparse shrub vegetation, beaches with crystal clear water and centuries-old churches built in the rocks below cliffs. It is famously known as this filming location of “Deep Blue”, a film about the life stories of real deep diving champions.
Repeating a visit to an outreach destination, each year, often means revisiting familiar places: field yards, crumbling stables owned by elderly residents, tiny villages with only a handful of people, and equine shelters run entirely by volunteers. There’s no time for sightseeing and the suggestion to “take a swim” is usually met with a tired smile. After long, laborious days, rest is the only priority to prepare for the next day’s work. What truly matters is seeing animals being healthier than in previous years and witnessing long-term issues resolved.
This year’s visit was particularly rewarding. Compared to the previous year, more animals were treated, and their overall condition had improved noticeably. Owners were welcoming and attentive, listening carefully to the team’s instructions. Many familiar animals cooperated well, and even newcomers surprised their owners by responding calmly to procedures. The owners of Amorgos appreciate the services the programme offers and eagerly await the team’s visit each year.
Essential health treatments
Overall, the health and body condition of the equines was good. With the scorching summer weather, insect hypersensitivity was a common issue and was treated appropriately by the team’s vet. Owners received guidance on the importance of regular vaccination, deworming, regular insect repellent use during summer months, and general animal care.
Tasos provided hoof trimming to most of the animals. Some cases involved overgrown hooves due to chronic laminitis, which required additional time and care. Owners were educated on proper feeding practices to prevent future episodes and maintain healthy hoof condition.
Alkis handled routine dental work for the majority of equines, mostly involving sharp enamel points and moderate hooks. Two particularly important cases stood out: the first involved an elderly female donkey, who received tooth rasping using the motorised dental equipment to address two large hooks that had developed over time—an essential procedure for improving her ability to chew comfortably. The second was an aged mule in noticeably poor body condition, having lost significant weight since her last check-up two years ago. Initially, the dental technician observed a missing premolar, a common issue in geriatric equines. However, upon closer examination, Alkis carefully cleared the gum pocket filled with decaying plant matter and uncovered a deeply embedded fragment of the lost tooth. Its removal brought immediate relief, restoring the mule’s ability to chew and significantly improving her appetite—an outcome that was warmly welcomed by her attentive owner. The case served as a powerful reminder of how hidden dental issues can lead to prolonged pain and nutritional decline, in both young and older animals.
Hobbling (in Greek named as pastoura, the traditional practice of tying legs together in order to restrain the animals) continues to pose a serious welfare concern, though the number of hobbled animals appears to be decreasing. Ongoing education from our team and the local welfare group has contributed to this shift, alongside stricter legal enforcement and the threat of penalties.
Caring for the rescued equines
In addition to the working equines of Amorgos, the team provided full geriatric care to the elderly residents of the Animal Zone International equine shelter – four donkeys and two mules, making their life more comfortable. One of the donkeys, Frideriki, had been lying down excessively the previous two days, which initially carers attributed to arthritis. Veterinarian Kostas examined her and diagnosed colic, which was successfully treated with medication and dietary adjustments in the following days.
Community and gratitude
Special thanks to Blue Star Ferries and Seajets for their support in helping our project by offering free ferry tickets for the group members, Pension Ilias and Politimi’s Studios for hosting the group, Thomas Rent-a-Car for providing a car for the group’s transportation, Mavros Bakery in Katapola and Pagada Coffee – Bar in Chora for providing the team’s breakfasts.
The visit was made possible thanks to the support of the Municipality of Amorgos, with special gratitude to Deputy Mayor Popi Despotidi who, from the Municipality’s side, worked to secure sponsorships and who is always willing to help.
Our appreciation to the local welfare group Animal Zone International for undertaking the organisation of the action and covering the rest of the essential expenses such as fuel and meals. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Litsa Passari, their incredible coordinator who managed every little detail from planning to photo and video documentation.
It is through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose that these efforts continue to thrive. We deeply appreciate the animal owners who faithfully keep their appointments each year and who have embraced this program from the very beginning.
We look forward to returning next year to continue caring for these amazing animals.