AN urgent mission has been launched to rescue 21 dogs from a Greek village where three of the animals died after being poisoned last week.

The Sapphire Trust, based in Kingsland, was already planning to bring back three stray dogs – retriever Blod, playful Labrador Creme and Shirley, a shy mountain dog – from Olympiada in Halkidiki.

It was the trust's third visit to the village this year, and staff had gone to help a friend called Eleni Gerna who feeds and takes care of the stray cats and dogs in the village.

But on Saturday, July 2, Blod and Creme were deliberately poisoned in broad daylight. A third dog, Limpy, who is believed to have been mistaken for Shirley, was also poisoned and discovered later.

Safi Zagni, who runs the Sapphire Trust, said: "In the past, before the Greek laws changed and it became illegal they used to use rat poisoning and you could get them to the vet in time. But we think it must have been a concentrated weed killer on this occasion as it acted very quickly and was very painful.

"I was devastated as we were so close. We had booked transport for the 14th and we were there just for the paperwork."

Shirley was taken to a safe haven and Ms Zagni, who was joined by Claire Rush from the Sapphire Trust, put up posters around the village and spoke to residents about what had happened.

"Most of the village was shocked and quite embarrassed and the police came out and took statements,” she said.

“They have taken it very seriously which is heartening. When Eleni started 14 years ago, she was told she was mad and that dogs were vermin so it is good to see the mentality of people has changed.”

The penalty for poisoning dogs in Greece is a five-year prison sentence plus a €30, 000 fine. However, some people continue to kill stray cats and dogs believing they need to be eliminated before tourists flock to the village.

“What we witnessed has changed us forever. We cannot bring Blod, Creme or Limpy back – but we are determined to save the remaining dogs in the village,” the trust said.

“The Sapphire Trust is not an international animal rescue organisation, but it is impossible for us to stand by and watch more village dogs die.

“On July 28, a transport van with 21 spaces for dogs is leaving Olympiada for Herefordshire, where the dogs will be given shelter until they are found forever homes.”

It gives the trust just over two weeks to raise the required £6,000 – £300 per dog – and it is asking for donations as small as £1 and for people to spread the word.

Volunteers are now busy working at the Kingsland centre to make a nice space for the dogs to stay when they arrive and food donations are also being received.

They will remain there until they find their forever homes.

Anyone who can help with the cost of bringing the dogs back should visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/OperationDog