In the last week of October 2025, a mass sterilisation programme took place at the veterinary practice owned and operated by ARTEMIS, the local animal welfare group in Taxiarchis, North Evia.
With the support of Animal Action Greece (AAG) and Greek Animal Rescue (GAR), and through a unique collaboration between ARTEMIS and the local authorities, an incredible 578 animals (197 dogs and 381 cats) were sterilised, microchipped, vaccinated, and treated for parasites.
Among them were several animals in need of additional medical care, which were treated by a dedicated team of highly experienced Romanian veterinarians who joined the effort.
“The work in Taxiarchis is a shining example of what’s possible when local authorities and welfare organisations work hand-in-hand,” said D’Arcy Myers, Interim CEO of Animal Action Greece. “It’s partnerships like these that drive real, lasting change for Greece’s stray animals.”
Building change from the ground up
ARTEMIS has been operating the veterinary practice since 2022, with AAG supporting its creation from the very beginning. Over the last three years, and with the help of volunteer vets from Greece and abroad, thousands of stray animals have been sterilised and treated in one of the country’s most challenging regions.
The local volunteers of ARTEMIS continue to do exceptional work, raising awareness, cooperating with the police and municipality, and inspiring their community to take positive action for animals.
“Seeing how far the community of Istiaia-Aidipsos has come is truly inspiring,” said Serafina Avramidou, Animal Action Greece Animal Welfare Manager. “The dedication of ARTEMIS and the trust they’ve built with local authorities shows that change for animals in Greece is possible, and it starts at the community level.”
A model for municipal collaboration
Caring for stray animals is not just a matter of compassion, it’s vital for public health, tourism, and community wellbeing. When strays are healthy, vaccinated, and cared for, locals and visitors alike are more inclined to treat them with kindness.
In the case of ARTEMIS and the Municipality of Istiaia-Aidipsos, the volunteers’ relentless efforts have won the support of the Mayor and the community. Together, they’ve set an inspiring example for other municipalities and welfare organisations across Greece.
Thanks to this powerful collaboration, supported by AAG and GAR, Istiaia-Aidipsos now ranks first among all municipalities in Greece for the number of animals sterilised and microchipped in 2024.
A heartfelt thank you
None of this would have been possible without the incredible individuals and volunteers whose dedication makes a difference every day.
Special thanks go to Dr. Ovidiu Rosu, Dr. Mircea Stefanache, and Dr. Irina Corbu-Rudnic, the Romanian veterinarians whose skill and compassion brought care to hundreds of animals, and to Eleni Velliou, President of ARTEMIS, whose leadership has been at the heart of this success.
Recognition also goes to Alexis Mantzoros, a volunteer cat trapper whose ongoing commitment has contributed to the success of almost every sterilisation programme in Taxiarchis.
We would also like to thank Andrew Tomes and Sarah Phelps of Greek Animal Rescue (GAR) for their invaluable support, and Gogo Staikaki, Eleni Peteve, and all the dedicated ARTEMIS volunteers who continue to give their time and energy to the animals of North Evia.
Finally, our appreciation goes to Stathis Drogosis and Odysseas Tsakalos, who performed a free concert in Istiaia to support the work of ARTEMIS, a true testament to how compassion for animals can bring communities together.
