London demo outside Greek embassy

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Vesna [vesna]

Thursday, August 26, 2004 3:12 PM

vesna

London demo outside Greek embassy

 

LONDON DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE THE GREEK EMBASSY

Thursday, 26 August - 1pm

 

 

 

 

 

Just when the Greek authorities thought they would celebrate the closing

ceremony of the Olympics in peace, the 'disappeared' stray dogs made

themselves heard once more ... this time through a protest outside the Greek

Embassy in London.

 

Although there was little time to organise this demonstration and even less

to publicise it, the word spread and in the end we had a turnout of more

than 40 people, plus two of our 7 Greekies, Bonzo and Kali. Many protesters

brought with them hastily made but very effective banners and there were

small white coffins, with words: R.I.P. Stray Dogs of Greece ............

and a pot of flowers, attached to which was a sign saying: 'In memory of all

the victims of poisoning' ... these flowers were left in front of the

embassy ...

 

 

 

Many of you are aware that this protest was greatly supported by Anneka

Svenska, an actress and TV presenter, who first contacted me on 9 August,

after returning from a holiday on Skiathos, where she visited Helen's

shelter (supported by GAR). Keen to help, we discussed various ideas and we

both felt that we had to do 'something' before the closing ceremony of the

Olympics takes place this Sunday. Anneka hoped to get a few celebrities

involved, but more importantly, get the attention of the media. That she

certainly did!!

 

Most of the protesters arrived between 12.30 & 1pm and Anneka had arranged

for an embassy official, Mrs Valasso Pouliou, to come out and accept her

petition at 1pm. Mrs Pouliou in fact came out about 5 minutes before Anneka

arrived and I spoke to her about why we were there, pointing out that Athens

strays are not our only concern, but that laws are not being enforced, that

there will be countless future victims of poisoning unless there's a massive

increase in sterilisation of OWNED dogs and cats [which breed, but their

unwanted litters are usually 'disposed of'].

I also made it clear that I'm in regular contact with foreign AND Greek

people in Greece, whose reports totally contradict government press releases

& propaganda. I showed Mrs Pouliou pictures of Jimmy Samaras 'death-row'

dog prison' in Thessaloniki and asked how it was possible that he was still

able to run his so-called shelter, in view of all the evidence of neglect &

abuse, which was even shown on Greek TV in 4 very damning programmes

(including clips of dying and dead dogs and even cannibalism). Mrs Pouliou

acknowledged what I told her, saying she knew about this case, but could not

explain why Samaras is being allowed to continue collecting dogs.

 

And then Anneka arrived, like me, 'dressed for the occasion' (last night we

were both busily transferring pictures on white cotton tops and in Anneka's

case, skirt as well, showing poisoned and abused dogs ...) and after Mrs

Pouliou was handed the petition, Anneka addressed her with a few well chosen

questions, which Mrs Pouliou couldn't reply credibly. All of a sudden, at

least half a dozen photographers appeared in front of us (thanks to Anneka &

her manager), snapping away and asking us to move the banners this & that

way. Mrs Pouliou began to look uncomfortable and shortly afterwards went

back inside the embassy. To give her credit, she was not as defensive as I

had expected and agreed with many things Anneka and I said to her.

 

Many thanks to all who attended the demo -

your support was/is greatly appreciated.

 

 

What a pity the cars were parked there! They 'spoiled' the effect!!

 

Yours for the Animals,

Vesna

 

P.S. If I hear of any articles etc, I will let you know.

 

P.P.S. The above photos were taken by me and are not as good as those taken

by the photographers. I hope that Anneka will manage to get a few copies

from them, if we don't see 1-2 in a national newspaper this weekend ...

fingers crossed folks!