The event “DNA and companion animals: Greece 2030”, organized by the organization Zero Stray Pawject in the auditorium of the Medical Biological Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (IIVEAA) was successfully completed. The event featured more than nine expert speakers, who discussed the importance of using DNA in pet management. At the end, the public had the opportunity to ask questions while a leaflet designed in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Protection was distributed on what procedure is followed when a newborn animal is found.

The function of DNA as a tool to reduce dropouts

The ability to analyze DNA offers a powerful weapon against the abandonment of newborn animals, as pointed out at the event. It was reported that 381 genetic loci are tested for a dog and 121 for a cat, achieving accuracy that even surpasses paternity tests.

Director of Zero Stray Academy and journalist, Stamatina Stamatakou, moderated the event, pointing out that DNA acts as a “bridge” between the animal welfare community, which demands universal sterilization, and animal guardians who, for various reasons, refuse it.

Lectures by Specialist Scientists

Academician, President of the Scientific Council and Director of the Center for Basic Research of IIVEAA, Dimitris Thanos, presented the work of the Foundation and explained the highly advanced design of the panels used by the Laboratory for the Preservation of Genetic Material of Companion Animals (EFAGYZS). These panels detect more genetic loci compared to corresponding foreign laboratories, providing greater accuracy. EFAGYSS has already successfully completed multiple blind tests identifying genetic relatedness in dogs and cats.

Veterinarian, Associate Professor and Researcher II of the IIVEAA, Michalis Katsimoulas, presented data from a study that included 668 dogs from 79 different breeds, highlighting the possibility of personalized identification through DNA. The results of these analyzes are used in criminal cases involving dogs, providing hard evidence. Mr. Katsiboulas emphasized that the use of DNA panels concerns the detection of family relationships and not the control of genetic purity or genetic diseases.

The Special Operating Scientist II of the IIVEAA, Ioannis Michalopoulos, who “runs” the EFAGYZS, analyzed in detail the procedures followed in the laboratory, focusing on the systems used to analyze the genetic material.

The contribution of DNA to the prevention and reduction of strays

The co-founder of Zero Stray Pawject and Zero Stray Academy, Thodoris Moumtzidis, analyzed how EFAGYSS can work as a tool to eliminate stray animals. By tracing the parents of an animal, it becomes possible to trace the person responsible for the abandonment, even allowing legal action to be taken. He gave the example of Aegina, the municipality communicated with the owners and informed them about their obligation to sterilize or give DNA, 85% decided to sterilize. He also emphasized that all this concerns only animals with electronic markings, underlining the importance of checks by the competent authorities for animal registration and saying characteristically that “the atciparis live in the dark”.

In Aegina, where the municipality communicated with the owners and informed them about their obligation to sterilize or give DNA, 85% decided to sterilize”

Legal dimension and police support

Lawyer Elena Arvaniti, who specializes in Animal Law, presented court cases related to animal abuse and analyzed the legislation governing the identification of owners through DNA. The act of abandonment, he pointed out, constitutes one of the worst forms of abuse, as it is directed at creatures unable to survive on their own, ultimately leading to an increase in strays.

The head of the Animal Protection Department of the Greek Police, Thodoris Kambouris, emphasized that DNA is a strong piece of evidence for building a case file.

The value of DNA for animal welfare volunteers

The rescuer and teacher of the Zero Stray Academy, Alexis Mantzoros, noted that DNA should be used by volunteers to condemn crimes against animals and reduce strays, characteristically he said that “DNA should be a weapon of volunteers as this is how we can to convict criminals or reduce the number of stray animals.”

The lawyer and legal adviser of the Attica Animal Hospital, Alexios Athanasopoulos, reminded the legal obligations of pet guardians, stressing that the fine is much higher than the cost of sterilization or sending genetic material. He also stated that vets are no longer responsible for persuading owners to sterilize their animals as this is required by law.

The Special Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior for Animal Protection, Nikolaos Chryssakis, welcomed the event, underlining the importance of this action for the protection of animals.

The event “DNA and companion animals: Greece 2030” highlighted in the clearest way the important contribution of genetic science to improving the lives of companion animals through the reduction of strays. The speakers, through their specialized knowledge and the practical application of DNA technology, offered new perspectives for the protection of animals and shaping a better future. DNA, as a means of prevention and identification, is a powerful tool in the hands of the State and volunteers to address the issue of abandonment and abuse, offering a real solution to protect and respect the life of every animal.