As the tourist season approaches, many stray dogs and cats in Greek villages are in danger of being poisoned by local villagers.
Poisoning dogs is illegal in Greece, and carries a 5 year prison sentence plus a €30, 000 fine.
However, some locals continue to kill stray dogs and cats, believing them to be 'vermine'.
The Sapphire Trust, a small rehoming centre in rural Herefordshire, was planning to transport two dogs from Olympiada in Halkidiki so that they could be rehomed in England. These two dogs, a young Labrador and a Retriever, were well-fed, friendly and loving animals. They were abandoned about a year ago, and a local lady, Eleni Gerna, had kept them alive by feeding them and allowing them to shelter on her balcony. We had got to know them well during our visits to the village, and we loved them like our own dogs.
Less than two weeks before the date set for their journey to England, these two beautiful boys were deliberately poisoned in broad daylight. We held them while they died, slowly and painfully.
The grief we feel is still raw and hard to bear. Such pointless deaths, and so awful to witness.
Together with our friend Eleni, who has saved hundreds of animals in the village, and seen so many of them poisoned in this way, we are determined to transport all Olympiada's abandoned dogs to safety in England.
These dogs are already castrated, vaccinated and microchipped in accordance with Greek law. They are friendly, well-socialised animals who give and need love in equal measures. Their only 'crime' is that they are unwanted and have nowhere to go. This makes them a target for some villagers who want to kill them.
Having witnessed the murder of a playful Labrador and loyal Retriever, there is no time to lose.
Every day the village strays are at risk.
We hope to bring 21 dogs from Olympiada to Herefordshire on July 28th 2016.
The transport cost per dog is £300. We are appealing for help from anyone who wants to save their lives.