At a time when animal abuse is occurring more and more often in an increasingly shocking way, the municipality of Nea Philadelphia - Nea Chalkidona shows its sensitivity and cares for its four-legged «citizens». A beautiful and fenced dog park has been created in Nea Chalkidona, and there are already plans for a second one, in the north of the city, to cover the other municipality.
The Municipal Authority found a suitable site on Dodecanisos Street and the work was carried out during the summer. The Technical Service of the municipality shaped the park in such a way that it serves the needs of the pets. Tasteful, fenced for safety and in a natural environment, with carpet and soil, with fountains and metal deep water bowls, with baskets, with proper lighting, but also with special wooden structures, which in addition to the walk help exercise and play.
The dog park in Nea Chalkidona has already opened its doors since last week, when the opening ceremony took place and immediately attracted the residents. Entrance is of course free for all pet owners, and the rules of operation were posted to ensure that visitors can keep the park safe, quiet for the area and most importantly clean. The area has been divided into two parts, one offered for larger dogs and the other for smaller dogs, making the park even more functional.
«It is our own sensitivity, apart from the general climate of animal welfare,» Mayor Yannis Vouros tells AP-MPA and explains how they came to this initiative: «We were essentially led to this by a final decision, which existed in 2009 and obliged the city's animal welfare association to leave the Park of Nea Philadelphia. But then nothing had been done and the issue was frozen. When we took over, a document came along that reopened the issue and with the threat of a large fine. So, we went into this logic and in consultation with the Deputy Minister, Mr. Amyras, we sought and created the space for the city's animal welfare association and it is like a countryside for animals. There is a special place there for cats and in 2 to 3 weeks it will be ready too.
So along with this story, we wanted to create another space that would serve the pets and so we went ahead with the creation of the dog park.».
On this, Mr. Buros says: «It is an ideal place for our four-legged friends, in the natural environment, demarcated and safe. It has water fountains, baskets, appropriate lighting and wooden structures. It is divided in two, one part for the larger dogs and the other for the smaller ones. The park is therefore ideal for their walk, play, exercise and communication with each other. It was a commitment we made, and we made it happen. In the end, we are doing the obvious. At the entrance there are rules of operation, which must be observed. This is where the help of the citizens is needed, because we need their help, too, to observe the rules and make sure that the area is kept clean.».
And at this point he adds: «Space has been found in the northern part of the city and we will create a dog park in the municipal unit of Nea Philadelphia as well.».
All this for the domestic animals, but inevitably the question arises what about the stray animals?... «There is special care in our city for the stray animals», the mayor of Nea Philadelphia answers and explains: «In principle, we are in cooperation with a veterinarian for the sterilizations, which are done systematically, for medical and pharmaceutical assistance, although with dogs there is not a big problem in the municipality. More cats there are, but there is a special program and planning for cats as well, which is already being implemented.
The plan will include a mobile veterinary unit, i.e. a van with appropriate equipment, and a plan for feeding stations.» Mr Vouros concludes: «Everything is ultimately a part of our ambition, but it is also the aesthetics that defines what we want to do. The work to improve the quality of life in our city will continue, despite any obstacles and stumbling blocks that arise. Of course, we need the help of the citizens in this matter, to have a pro-animal conscience and to make sure that their own animals leave clean spaces in the city.».
Dem. Vassilopoulos
