Location

Malia is situated about 34 km east of Heraklion in the Gulf of Malia and is a much visited tourist area. The popular bathing resort is in an area where there is a lot of agriculture, which is why this area is so vastly populated along the northern coast.

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Situation

There is an extremely large amount of stray animals in this area, as the whole coast region and the many hotels and resorts offer shelter and nourishment to a large number of cats and dogs. Gayner Vlastou is one of the people who have noticed a visible improvement in the animal welfare situation on Crete.

Countless cats roam the streets and fields surrounding Malia.

You can also find the typical barrel dogs here, as well as chained dogs and those guarding building sites.

"Building site guard dog" – on a short chain

Animal Welfare

The Animal Welfare Organization Cretan Animal Welfare Group has been around since 1995. In 1998, Gayner Vlastou took charge of the organization and is now working around the clock for animal welfare on Crete. The organization now consists of about 50 members – both on Crete and in England.
Mr. Nikos Halkiadakis is president of the organization; Mrs. Gayner Vlastou is vice president.

Gayner Vlastou in the animal shelter, which is situated on her private land.

Activities

The animal shelter only accepts wounded or sick ownerless animals and discarded puppies.

A lot of the animals, which are staying with Gayner, have obviously suffered much in their lives. They receive medical care from her and are safe. Animals that can be mediated, are mediated to Germany.

Other focus points:
- Campaigns against poisonings and the use of animals in circuses
- Castration Projects
- Education

Gayner also maintains secret feeding locations, because she is afraid of poisoning initiatives.

There is a good collaboration between the group and a Greek veterinarian.

Mediation of the dogs from "The Haven":
--> Vitanimaux 2000 Organization for Animal Rights --> Cretan Mediation Pages

Needs and Plans

There is always a need for volunteers who are willing to help out in the shelter.
They also need:
- Financial- and food donations
- Permanant foster parents for animals that can’t be mediated, which can then continue to live with Gayner.
- Foster Travel Parents.

The blind cat Angel has found sanctuary in "The Haven”.

Your Help

You can help by becoming a foster travel parent or by taking material donations to Crete with you.

Noah’s Ark’s Support Organization supports Gayner Vlastou by transporting animals for mediation (with the Pyromaniac). In future, we will offer support with food donations, veterinary care and castration projects.

You can support the animal welfare workers’ activities on Crete by taking on a foster parenthood or by becoming a member of Noah’s Ark’s Support Organization!

--> Foster Parenthood
--> The Support Organization

Contact Information

Gayner Vlastou
Cretan Animal Welfare Group
THE HAVEN
Xylomaheria
Malia, T.K. 70007
Crete/Greece
Mobile Phone: +30-694-4690368
Fax: +30-28970-31144
e-mail: cawg_crete@yahoo.com
internet: www.cawg-greece.com

Further Information about Animal Activities on Crete:

E-mail: info@archenoah-kreta.com

Translation: Susan Brinkmann
04.2003, Text & Fotos: Stefan Grothus