Porto Germeño fire prompts animal rescue hub at Vilia stadium

A wildfire raging around the Porto Germeño area in Attica forced the evacuation of dozens of stray, owned and farm animals. A temporary animal‑shelter was established in the Vilia stadium through a partnership of the Mandra‑Eidyllia municipality, the animal‑welfare group Dogs’ Voice, local volunteers and veterinary teams.

Rescue teams, including police and the National Animal Protection Mechanism, have collected at least 62 animals – 46 companion dogs and cats, nine farm animals and several wildlife specimens. The shelter now houses around 67 pets, provides food, water and veterinary checks, and some injured animals are being treated in a veterinary hospital. Antidemarchos Dimitris Pagoni, responsible for animal protection, said, “After people were scared, imagine how the animals felt.”

The municipality is handling health examinations and adoption contracts at no cost to families, while donations of food and supplies continue to arrive. Officials such as the interior minister have visited the site to assess needs. The shelter remains on high alert, ready to receive additional animals as evacuations continue.