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Animal Welfare Karpathos (AWK) is officially registered with the new government database (National Registry of Companion Animals) with the registration number 5157. This database was made available late December and is partially active at the moment as more organizations are signing up and becoming acquainted with the new law requirements. AWK would like to take advantage of this opportunity to re-share some important information about our non-profit and the work we do on the island.
Animal Welfare Karpathos has been active in its current form on the island since 2020, when it was founded by the Greek-American veterinarian, originally from Karpathos, Dr. Anna Katogiritis, and with Sofia Hiras-Micros as president. AWK has gained the respect of people both nationally and internationally thanks to its standards of operation, professionalism, ethics and results of its programs and collective volunteer work. AWK is composed of two boards: one local and one consisting of trustees from a number of countries (UK/ US/ Italy/ Germany) who ensure that AWK’s programs and strategy align with its mission and vision. AWK has been endorsed by both the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the UN Messenger of Peace Dr Jane Goodall.
Our activities over the years include:
a) the organization of large sterilization and animal welfare treatment programs for stray cats, through which more than 1100 stray cats have been sterilized, b) youth educational programs and visits to schools on the island, c) expertise and guidance to local government bodies whenever this has been requested of us d) veterinary guidance of volunteers, residents of the island, for the treatment of numerous injured or sick stray animals when local veterinarians have not been available on the island, e) coverage of the relevant veterinary expenses for the treatment of stray animals, g) hundreds of successful adoptions of stray animals and many more. You can find more information about our work via our official website as well as our Instagram/ Facebook pages: www.AnimalWelfareKarpathos.com and social media handles: @animalwelfarekarpathos
The legal form of Animal Welfare Karpathos is that of a non- profit corporation. The bylaws of the organization were accepted and published along with AWK’s registration by the court of Rhodes island and is available to everyone. AWK fulfills its annual tax obligations by paying taxes on time after reporting any and all donations made to the organization as required by law. None of the organization's members or volunteers are paid, nor are the vets and specialist nurses who volunteer with AWK during its programs.
Our legal form and status do not prohibit Animal Welfare Karpathos from collaborating with the local municipality or the government. To the contrary, we are open to any collaboration that benefits the animals of the island, and we are allowed to do so based on Greek laws. Moreover, as outlined in relevant laws, AWK is able to participate in the management of the stray animal population and assist the local municipality with the development of animal welfare programs or their implementation. The National Registry of Companion Animals (EMZS), which became partially operational only last December, has a sub-registry for associations and non-profit corporations/ organizations (AMKE) among others, in which we were accepted thanks to our legal status and bylaws.
Finally, AWK would like to note at this time that as an organization, although we have every legal right to apply for government grants and receive them, we have not sought to receive grants from the government or the municipality. We rely on donations and are deeply grateful for the cooperation and trust of the people who support us so far.
As Animal Welfare Karpathos we share the anguish of every person on the island who cares about strays. At the same time, we are determined to shield our work, ourselves and our organization from any false rumor or misinformation, whether it originates from ignorance or malicious intent. Moreover, we remain true to our cause by distancing ourselves from individual behaviors and attitudes that do not advance the interests of animals and public life in general.We remain committed to the daily effort to improve the living conditions of the homeless animals on our island and to raise awareness among Karpathian citizens and youth in a positive manner. We will be happy to meet you in person at one of our next events. Our next big spay and neuter program will be held in Arkasa July 13-16, 2024! Join Us!