Verbal recommendations of S. Kedikoglou for the faithful implementation of the provisions on equine welfare

Clear orders for the faithful implementation of the provisions on the well-being of animals, especially equines during their transport, were given by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Mr. Simos Kedikoglou, during the wide-ranging meeting held with officials of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on the occasion of the abuse incident on the 27 August in the Municipality of Zitsa, Ioannina.

The meeting was attended by the General Secretary of the Ministry of AAT, Mrs. Christiana Kalogirou, the head of the Directorate of Animal Protection, Medicines and Veterinary Applications, Mr. Spyros Dountounakis, the Head of the General Directorate of Veterinary Medicine, Mr. Thomas Alexandropoulos, the Head of the Directorate of Animal Protection, Medicines and Veterinary Applications, Ms. Katerina Marinou, the Head of the Animal Health Directorate, Ms. Sofia Boutsini, Ms. Anastasia Charalambopoulou from the Department of Planning and Coordination of Veterinary Laboratory Controls and the Director of the FDA, Mr. Andreas Theophilou.

The Deputy Minister proceeded with explicit and strict recommendations to all the competent Veterinary Services to impose strict sanctions on those who do not comply with the relevant national and EU legislation in force as well as with the relevant circulars issued by the Ministry of Health.

With regard to the specific incident, from the first moment there was immediate mobilization and communication between the competent services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and strict adherence to the prescribed procedures.

Within the day, the injured animal will be re-examined by a specialist equine veterinarian (equipedarian) in order to provide the best possible care.