Cephalonia horses targeted by gunfire amid food and water shortages

Semi-wild horses from the Ainos National Park in Cephalonia, Greece, are being targeted by hunters and producers using firearms. The attacks have resulted in numerous dead and severely injured animals.

Driven by prolonged drought and food shortages in the mountains, the horses have been descending to lower elevations near villages such as Mavrata and Thiramonas to search for water and sustenance. This movement has led them into private properties and agricultural lands, prompting some locals to take matters into their own hands.

Stamo Ampatielou, a representative of the animal welfare organization ‘Stray Animals in Action’, stated that while the welfare of the horses is a priority, there is also a need to address the safety of people and property as the animals frequently enter roads. The organization has proposed measures to local authorities based on studies from the University of Thessaloniki, including controlled population management, sterilization, and the creation of a dedicated park for the horses. Legal proceedings have already been initiated regarding the shootings on the island.