Vasilis Spanakis presented the plan to protect 1.5 million animals, including a 10400 hotline, integration with 112, and new rescue structures.
At the presentation of the National Mechanism for the Protection of Companion Animals in Natural Disasters, held at the Galatsi Olympic Properties in the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Deputy Minister of the Interior Vasilis Spanakis highlighted the government’s key measures for the protection of animals during natural disasters.
Spanakis: State commitment to animals
Vasilis Spanakis emphasized that starting in 2026 the protection of companion animals will become an official state commitment, noting that the plan concerns more than 1,525,000 companion animals, of which approximately 385,000 are strays.
As he stated, this is a government commitment that moves from words to action, with the aim of effectively shielding animals from the consequences of natural disasters.
The new protection structures
The Deputy Minister of the Interior referred to the most significant innovations of the National Plan, such as specialized animal rescue teams, the 10400 Coordination Center for rescue and extrication, as well as the new operational protocols.
At the same time, he highlighted the inclusion of animals in the 112 system, their integration into the Unified Crisis Management Coordination Center (E.S.K.E.D.I.K.), their participation in Civil Protection Plans of municipalities and regions, as well as the training of firefighters and forest firefighters in rescue operations and first aid.
He also made special mention of the government’s intention to extend protective measures beyond companion animals to cover equines as well as farm animals.
Tripling of funding to municipalities
Vasilis Spanakis pointed out that the Ministry of the Interior has proceeded to triple funding to municipalities for actions concerning companion animals, in order to implement more effective policies at the local level.
At the same time, he referred to the 50 million euros allocated for preventive fire protection measures, noting that these interventions are only the beginning in the face of the challenges posed by the climate crisis and the growing needs for civil protection.
He also emphasized the importance of cooperation between the relevant ministries, local government, the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals, and volunteer groups, so that the plan can be implemented in every region of the country.
