Greece reports multiple incidents of animal cruelty and arson

Greece has seen a series of high-profile animal cruelty incidents across several regions. In Corfu, a 44-year-old driver was arrested and brought before a prosecutor after video footage showed her vehicle running over a sleeping dog in Avliotes. The driver claimed, “I never wanted to hit the animal,” but faces potential felony charges under Law 4830/2021, which carries penalties of up to 10 years in prison and significant fines if intent is proven.

In Kalavryta, a dog was shot with a hunting shotgun inside a residential yard in Kryoneri, sustaining over 45 pellets, including injuries to its spine and thoracic cavity. Authorities are investigating the incident, which occurred while a family was on vacation.

Additionally, in Zakynthos, a 63-year-old woman was arrested in Romiri after a cat was found tied to a wall and killed. She has been issued a 30,000 euro administrative fine and faces legal action for violating animal welfare laws. Separately, in Agioi Anargyroi, a 19-year-old was arrested for arson after allegedly setting a vehicle on fire using flammable material.