Noah's Ark Update

Here is the latest good news from Noah's Ark: Crete's first animal shelter.

As previously reported in The Athens News, land is still an issue for Noah’s Ark.  In what seemed like an ideal solution to the problem of finding a new home for the hundreds of animals who call the Ark home, The European Association for the Protection of Animals and Nature recently offered to purchase a large piece of land for the shelter. Unfortunately, the owner of this land has not kept to the time limit specified by the contract, so an alternative piece of land has been chosen. Much smaller than the other, but less expensive, this alternative property is also located on the Akrotiri. There is no legal objection to the use of the land as an animal shelter, but authorities are demanding various new licenses and documents, which will take time to sort out.  Added to this, the owners of the land are now divided about the sale. Purchase of the larger and more suitable piece of land has not been ruled out completely.

The old municipal shelter in the Souda area is still being used to house up to 100 dogs, and authorities are not objecting.  Two German veterinarians are helping out on a permanent basis, and the shelter has been separated so that puppies, new arrivals, sick animals, and those ready for adoption abroad are housed apart from each other. Running water is finally available, and the German army is bringing in an electricity generator.   The cats are currently in a private compound at Silke's private home; the 14 donkeys are being tended to on another piece of land on the Akortiri.  The different animal locations are some distance apart, however, so a lot of driving is involved to care for all the animals.  The youngest animals are cared for in the information shop in Chania's Old Town, which is a round-the-clock job due to the onslaught of puppies and kittens born during February and March. More babies are brought in daily; most need bottle feeding and constant attention.

Along with Noah’s Ark, various animal groups in Crete have made promising contacts with the island’s hotel owners. Following the protests of tourists sickened by Crete’s abuse of stray animals, an association of hotel owners has offered its support and will update visitors on what is being done to help these animals. In addition, various hotels will display collection boxes to raise much-needed funds for animal aid, including population control.

Spaying and neutering continues across the island. Noah’s Ark veterinarians alter dogs and cats on the first weekend of every month at an animal shelter in Malia, Eastern Crete.  In addition, animal friends in Rethimnon (between Chania and Iraklion) plan to build a small clinic and shelter for a maximum of 10 dogs. Local authorities are reportedly keen on participating and offering financial aid. With spay and neuter clinics operating in 14 different areas, tourists and residents are reporting a reduction in the number of stray dogs.