Important Supporting Causes: Hellenic Society For Equine Welfare
As the business year draws to a close, it is time to start reflecting on what we have contributed to our communities. We, at the eLearning Industry, remain committed to expanding our impact beyond our industry, donating our resources to support things that are important to us and our employees. This year’s CSR program brought us to the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare, a Greek animal welfare organization and sanctuary for abused, neglected, and abandoned horses, donkeys, ponies, and mules.
To support the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare and help them continue their good work, we are publishing this article to highlight their significant impact on equine welfare and show our audience ways they can contribute. We also wish to share our knowledge, visit the animals, read their stories, and see how this organization has changed their lives.
The Importance of Horse Welfare Associations
As is the case in many countries with a centuries-old tradition of using animals, equines remained unprotected by the Greek legal system, which regarded them as working animals rather than companions. Historically they were used for recreation, sports, production, work, or even for the export of their meat, equines serve many of these roles during their entire lives when they stop being considered “helpful” in any area.
Because they are viewed as property, they are more likely to be abused, neglected, mistreated, or abandoned. The summer months are especially challenging as horse-drawn carriage rides and porterage services become part of the local amenities offered to many visiting tourists. Robbery habits, lack of shelter, exertion and physical injuries due to overwork, insufficient grooming, or lack of animal care are factors that make up the year-round reality for thousands of these animals—but we said the truth is rarely highlighted.
This is where the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare comes in. When they receive reports from eyewitnesses, they are able to pinpoint the victim’s location, assess its condition, and begin the lengthy legal process to adopt and care for it. Unfortunately, the organization is not always able to intervene, because, as we said above, the equine is still considered a human property. It is only in lucky circumstances that they are able to catch an animal, and that is if they can identify the owner.
Hellenic Society For Equine Welfare
It all started in 2006, after a shocking incident, involving the transport of 64 horses to slaughterhouses in Italy by a horse dealer, brought them into action. They were able to catch the animals and bring the seller to justice. Today, they are still going strong. Marking almost 20 years of operation, the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare (ESPI in Greek) has helped hundreds of animals, helping many of them to find their forever home. Their facilities include 20 stables, 13 stalls, and a large arena, and they currently have 18 animals, including horses, donkeys, ponies, and mules.
Currently operating in the premises of a former riding school, in an area well known for its hippodrome, the difference between ESPI’s view and the common view of equines’ “acceptable use” is undeniable. They are an equine sanctuary and rescue center that houses and cares for abused horses. Their main goal is to protect these animals from human pain and abuse, and their great work is based only on their wonderful volunteers, who give time and effort to ensure that these horses get the best chance for a happy, comfortable life.
The horses that live in their yard are waiting to be adopted or are set to live fulfilling lives under their care. Since their costs reach thousands of euros every month, their important work is only possible with the help of the public, voluntary or donations. And, no matter how difficult their resources are, they continue to pursue goals of a much larger scale, trying to end abuse equally by raising awareness and educating the public and law enforcement officials to take action against cruelty.
Our Visit
The experience of seeing their work in action felt as important as supporting the purpose of the sanctuary itself. It showed the natural resilience of animals and the importance of not looking the other way when it comes to seeing animal abuse. ESPI’s dedication to their work and their deep love, appreciation, and respect for these animals is evident from the moment one enters the premises. We learned about these animals’ journeys towards discipline while watching them enjoy the sun and the new products we brought them; it was fun for us viewers as it was for the animals themselves.
We left having learned many important lessons that we hope to pass on to our audience by enlightening us on the important influence of this organization. It takes a lot of dedication and effort to continue to advocate for important causes like this, but it is necessary.
The herd
To continue to support the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare, we sponsored five horses, covering their expenses throughout the year, including their veterinary bills, food, bedding, shoes, and daily care. With the funding, ESPI is also able to maintain its buildings and continue its work of rehabilitating and rescuing many animals in need.
Let’s meet these amazing horses!
Perseus and Danae were found in poor condition, malnourished and full of wounds and parasites. After a long journey of rehabilitation, they are now thriving under the care of ESPI volunteers. They live a happy life, fighting over who will get the most carrots, and waiting for the right person to take them.
Carmen was rescued from an unauthorized “municipal paradise” on the Greek island of Kasos in 2019. Along with her ten-day-old calf, ESPI brought them to their compound and nursed them back to life. Carmen’s baby is now up for adoption, but she is patiently waiting for her turn.
Angel has been with the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare since 2013. Abandoned by his owner, he was found malnourished with a wound on one of his hind legs, which left him without a hoof. Despite his condition, he persisted; now nothing can stop him from crawling on three hooves proudly.
Found grazing on the side of the highway, Hera was taken in by ESPI and treated for a large tumor under her tail, and later, another inside her nose. Despite the persistent medical difficulties he continues to face, ESPI is making continuous efforts to ensure he is well cared for and comfortable. For now, he enjoys the company of his best friend, Jerry (pictured left), who faithfully follows him everywhere. (He wasn’t very interested in our visit, but there are some nice close-ups in his portfolio.)
Help ESPI Help Horses
It’s amazing how these animals continue to give us unconditional love and companionship despite the way they’ve been treated. Equal abuse and neglect are important issues that need our attention. Let’s take a page out of the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare’s book and move forward to provide help to animals in need.
If you wish to support the Hellenic Society for Equine Welfare, consider making a donation or sponsoring an animal. You can also visit in person to meet the herd and learn more about ESPI’s work. The sanctuary is open to visitors every Sunday morning, so be sure to add it to your itinerary on your next trip to Greece.
Finally, if you come across an abused, neglected, or injured animal, don’t look the other way. Report it to an organization like ESPI and give it a chance for a better life.
Source link
