SAWA is the Santorini Animal Welfare Association and they recently released their 2012 annual report. Part of Greece, Santorini is located in the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea and has a population just over 13,500 people. Like many islands, a large stray animal population is a problem because too few homes exist for them. SAWA is trying to change that with a variety of initiatives to help the island’s homeless pet population. Their 2012 report shows their progress.
Stray Dog Management Program
This program provided the sterilization, vaccination and de-worming of 174 dogs in 2012, 92 female and 82 male. SAWA also covered the cost of sterilization of an additional 62 dogs. Successful dog adoptions from SAWA was 180. These dogs were adopted on island and abroad. SAWA also assisted in 50 adoptions of stray by tourists. The All Vet Clinic in cooperation with SAWA treated over 150 cases of injured, sick and poisoned dogs.
Stray Cats
During 2012, 285 stray cats were sterilized and released in the stray cat program, 180 female and 105 male. The vet clinic also provided special low cost spays (30€) and neuters (15€). An estimated 150 cats were treated from accidents, poisoning or illness.
Equine Management Program
In cooperation with the Municipality for Santorini and the Donkey Sanctuary of Britain, SAWA was able to implement the Code of Practice for all Working Equines. The realization of many years of work, SAWA offered a “shelter for life” to over 20 abandoned, old and injured donkeys, mules and horses at the Donkey Refuge in Karterados. According to the shelter report, 2012 was the first “positive outcome” of this effort.
Wild Fauna
Although a shelter for companion animals, SAWA has also helped injured wild birds and other animals through 2012. SAWA provided first aid to many birds before transferring them to the Association for the Protection and Treatment of Wild Animals on the island of Paros for rehabilitation.
Volunteers
According to SAWA, 2012 saw the largest number yet of visitors and volunteers to the shelter from all over the world. Countries included Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Denmark, and the US. The increase in volunteers has prompted SAWA to look into providing travel volunteer programs with the Municipality.
Other events for SAWA included their first Spring Bazaar fundraiser and a visit from the kindergarten class of Megalohori village. They also participated in two underwater cleanups on the Nea Kameni Volcano. On December 5, SAWA received an award from the Municipality of Santorini for International Volunteer Day.
While 2012 was a busy and positive year for the shelter, much more work still needs to be done. Donations are always needed and appreciated. To learn more about SAWA, visit their Facebook page.
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