A fine of 1,000 euros is provided for owners who do not proceed with one of the two actions (sterilization or sending genetic material).
Dog and cat owners who do not wish to sterilize their pets are required to send a DNA sample to a specialized laboratory of the Academy of Athens.
With a circular signed by him the deputy minister of the interior Stelios Petsasthis alternative solution adopted in Law 4830/21 is activated after the owners’ reactions to the solution of compulsory sterilization of pets, which was initially chosen to deal with the problem with strays.
The collection of a sample of genetic material is done exclusively by a certified veterinarian, through blood sampling (0.5-2 ml) or if this is not possible, a buccal swab sample (cell samples from the inner surface of the cheek) is collected with special Teflon swabs.
For the process an electronic fee of 135 euros is paid via www.gsis.gr for each pet, and another 15 euros is paid to the veterinarian to obtain the genetic material. No fee is paid for dogs intended exclusively for guarding flocks (sheepdogs). For owners who do not proceed with one of the two actions (neutering or sending genetic material) a fine of 1,000 euros is foreseen.
The samples are sent to the recommended Laboratory for the Storage and Analysis of Genetic Material of Companion Animals (EFAGYZS) of the Medical Biological Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (IIVEAA) and will remain in a relevant database for at least 12 years. At the same time, the veterinarian updates the database in the National Register of Companion Animals (EMZS).
In this way, the competent authorities will be able – for those animals whose owners choose not to sterilize them – to either identify them if they are abandoned or to find the parents of abandoned or killed puppies.
The amount of the levy is attributed by 40% to the IIVEAA to cover the operating costs of the EFAGYZS, by 5% to the General Secretariat of Public Administration Information Systems of the Ministry of Digital Governance for the operation of the EMZS and by 55% through the Ministry of the Interior to the municipalities for the supporting actions for the well-being of stray pets.
Source: Skai
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