Cooperation between councils and the relevant organizations is key to managing the stray pets issue. The Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Pylaia-Chortiatis , Vivian Lioliou, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, Vasilis Diamantakis, the Deputy Mayor of Kalamaria, Argiris Partheniadis, the President of The Association for the Protection and Environment of Stray Animals of Eastern Thessaloniki (SYPPAZATH), Odysseas Salikyriakis, as well as the vets Eleni Dragatidou and Natasa Papageorgiou, met for a second time at the Inter-Municipal Coordination for Stray Pets.

The meeting took place, as explained in a related announcement from the Municipality of Pylaia-Chortiatis, in a climate of cooperation and mutual trust. This confirms the shared will of the three neighboring councils for a coordinate and effective approach to the issue of stray pets.

Meeting of Inter-Municipal Coordination. Credit: Municipality of Pylaia-Chortiatis

“Cooperation for our stray friends is imperative, as in this matter there are no borders between municipalities. Herds move from one municipality to another and with them the problems they often cause. Let us not forget that our first and foremost goal is the improvement in the quality of life and safety of our fellow citizens and simultaneously the protection of stray animals. So cooperation of the public is necessary, who should not abandon housed animals in the suburban areas and should follow the instructions for managing strays,” said the Mayor of Pylaia-Chortiatis, Ignatios Kaitezidis, according to announcement from the Municipality.

Within the Inter-Municipal Coordination framework, many topics were discussed – such as ways to enhance coordination, exchange practices, and develop joint initiatives. They hope to use these ways to promote animal welfare and enhance the quality of life of citizens.

“The inter-municipal cooperation is not simply an administrative choice, but a political position of responsibility, that places humans and animals at the epicenter, transcending narrow administrative boundaries for the benefit of society as a whole,” stated the Deputy Mayor, Vivian Lioliou.