Kefalonia horse shootings spark calls for equine management

The animal welfare organization ‘Adespota En Drasei – Ellas’ has issued a serious complaint following the shooting of a third horse on the island of Kefalonia. Reports indicate that legal complaints have already been filed regarding these incidents.

The organization is calling for immediate intervention from the Ionian Islands Region to implement an organized and legal management plan for unattended equines. They argue that the situation can no longer be treated as a series of isolated events, as it affects animal welfare, public safety, and local agriculture.

According to the group, they have previously proposed solutions, including bringing in an equine management specialist and submitting a sterilization program. They also offered to donate hay and water tanks following recent fires in Elio–Pronnos to ensure horses have access to food and water, thereby reducing their movement into inhabited areas and crops. Despite these offers and communication with Deputy Regional Governor Sotiris Kouris and the Municipality of Argostoli, the organization claims they have yet to receive a substantive response from the regional authorities.