62-year-old who poured petroleum over his dog granted an extension to prepare his answers to the charges
dog
30 Aug 2018
/ 05:55
CORFU. Despite its misfortune, the dog has at least been adopted by a new owner.
The 62-year-old man who was arrested in Solari, following reports that he had poured petroleum over his dog and tied it up, was taken to appear before the Prosecutor. His defence lawyer claimed that the dog had fleas and the owner considered this to be a good way to get rid of them.
Members of the public who saw the dog in this condition contacted the police and Corfu Ark. Following the arrest of the man, a vet examined the 6-year-old dog and reckoned that it had probably been abused in the past due to the fear that it showed. The accused was taken to appear before the Prosecutor and was granted an extension in order to prepare his answers to the charges. Regardless of the court verdict, an automatic fine of 30,000 Euros has been imposed and registered with the Tax Office, which the accused is obliged to pay.
Despite its misfortune, the dog has at least found a new owner to adopt it and take care of it.
Greek law regarding the abuse of animals
The following bodies have the authority to confirm whether an offence has been committed: Greek Police, Forestry Service, Customs, Veterinary Health Inspection Centres (SYKE), Port Authority and Coast Guard and private wardens from hunting organizations.
The Prosecutor and the responsible bodies are obliged to carefully check all information / complaints - from whatever source, including the internet - regarding abuse of any kind of animal and acts of violence such as poisoning, hanging, drowning, removal of limbs etc. and proceed with detention and arrest if it is confirmed that an offence has been committed.
There are very strict punishments for all of the above and it should be noted that the normal requirement to pay 100 Euros when pressing charges does not apply in this case. The police are also obliged to detain/arrest on the spot.
The above offences can lead to a minimum sentence of one year and a fine of between 5,000 and 15,000 Euros. Another automatic administrative fine of 30,000 Euros can also be imposed for each animal and incident.
The same sentences also apply to those who sell or post audio-visual material on the internet - such as videos and photos- which show any acts of violence against animals as well as sexual acts between animals or between animals and humans which are posted for commercial reasons or the sexual satisfaction of those who watch them.
Road accidents
There is special provision for pets that are injured in road accidents. The person who is culpable is obliged to immediately inform the local Municipality so that the injured animal can receive veterinary care. If the animal is abandoned, there is an automatic fine of 300 Euros. This does not override any other laws or international agreements regarding the protection of animals.
As regards the feeding of stray animals, the law states: "The responsibility for the monitoring and care of stray animals lies with both the municipalities, who can set up locations with food and water for the animals, and collaborating animal welfare organizations. It is not prohibited for members of the public to give food and water to stray pets as long as health and cleanliness regulations are followed."
The Greek Supreme Court aso states that, "The provision of food and water to stray animals does not violate the law and is within the spirit of respect for all living creatures and their right to life."
Members of the public who saw the dog in this condition contacted the police and Corfu Ark. Following the arrest of the man, a vet examined the 6-year-old dog and reckoned that it had probably been abused in the past due to the fear that it showed. The accused was taken to appear before the Prosecutor and was granted an extension in order to prepare his answers to the charges. Regardless of the court verdict, an automatic fine of 30,000 Euros has been imposed and registered with the Tax Office, which the accused is obliged to pay.
Despite its misfortune, the dog has at least found a new owner to adopt it and take care of it.
Greek law regarding the abuse of animals
The following bodies have the authority to confirm whether an offence has been committed: Greek Police, Forestry Service, Customs, Veterinary Health Inspection Centres (SYKE), Port Authority and Coast Guard and private wardens from hunting organizations.
The Prosecutor and the responsible bodies are obliged to carefully check all information / complaints - from whatever source, including the internet - regarding abuse of any kind of animal and acts of violence such as poisoning, hanging, drowning, removal of limbs etc. and proceed with detention and arrest if it is confirmed that an offence has been committed.
There are very strict punishments for all of the above and it should be noted that the normal requirement to pay 100 Euros when pressing charges does not apply in this case. The police are also obliged to detain/arrest on the spot.
The above offences can lead to a minimum sentence of one year and a fine of between 5,000 and 15,000 Euros. Another automatic administrative fine of 30,000 Euros can also be imposed for each animal and incident.
The same sentences also apply to those who sell or post audio-visual material on the internet - such as videos and photos- which show any acts of violence against animals as well as sexual acts between animals or between animals and humans which are posted for commercial reasons or the sexual satisfaction of those who watch them.
Road accidents
There is special provision for pets that are injured in road accidents. The person who is culpable is obliged to immediately inform the local Municipality so that the injured animal can receive veterinary care. If the animal is abandoned, there is an automatic fine of 300 Euros. This does not override any other laws or international agreements regarding the protection of animals.
As regards the feeding of stray animals, the law states: "The responsibility for the monitoring and care of stray animals lies with both the municipalities, who can set up locations with food and water for the animals, and collaborating animal welfare organizations. It is not prohibited for members of the public to give food and water to stray pets as long as health and cleanliness regulations are followed."
The Greek Supreme Court aso states that, "The provision of food and water to stray animals does not violate the law and is within the spirit of respect for all living creatures and their right to life."
