Fines for animal abusers in Greece are being overturned

The animal rights movement in Greece continues to face complications. According to activists, though the government intended to crack down on animal abuse, the opposite appears to be happening. In fact, they claim that animal abusers aren’t being properly penalized.

While fines for animal abuse exist up to 30,000 euros (approximately $35,755), those fines are frequently reduced and sometimes canceled by municipalities if there is an appeal. While the fines were supposed to serve as a deterrent for abuse, animal activists argue that local governments are hesitant to enforce them, claiming mayors want to stay on voters’ good sides, instead of angering them over an animal, no matter how beaten or abused the creature has been.

Animal lovers in Greece have been reacting as expected, finding the lack of action on part of the government to be horrifying. Speaking with Kathimerini, a Greek newspaper, Elizabeth Iliaki, who is in charge of Crete’s Souda Shelter, said, “I am horrified that such people are circulating among us without having suffered any consequences for their actions.”

Elena Dede of Dogs’ Voice, a non-governmental organization focusing on animal welfare, believes fines should “be disconnected from municipalities and upheld by the tax authorities to ensure their collection.”

Between January and June 2020, there were 2,644 reports of animal abuse, according to Greek police, and Crete in particular has seen some of the most awful cases of abuse. In December 2020, a Cretan man was arrested for torturing and killing two stray dogs. The previous month in Crete saw a man hanging and castrating a dog, resulting in public outrage.

Kathimerini reports that data compiled by animal rights groups show that pets are the victims of 80% of animal abuse cases, but the abuse of strays receive more media attention.

Article written by Tessa Altman- United States