Local residents to take legal action following killing of sheep
dead sheep
01 Nov 2021
/ 12:31
CORFU. Abandoned dogs in the area - Municipality responds that it is forbidden to confine animals.
Stray dogs have become a serious problem in Central Corfu. A Temploni resident recently published disturbing photos of sheep that had been savaged by stray dogs near the landfill. 25 were found dead and another 30 injured, of which 5 later died - several of them were ready to give birth. (Enimerosi isn't publishing these photos as they are too disturbing)
Following this incident, it was revealed that there have been similar incidents in nearby areas such as Poulades, Yiannades, Marmara and the Ropa Valley.
The Greek Agricultural Insurace Organisation was called out along with Corfu Veterinary Clinic and a report compiled.
Legal remedies
The owners of the animals plan to take legal remedies and to take action against Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Municipality, which is responsible for the care of stray animals.
Temploni Cultural Society President Magda Papanikolopoulou told Enimerosi that that there are at least 5-6 people who plan to take the matter to the Prosecutor.
"We all have animals at home that we love," said Ms. Papanikolopoulou. "We freed one of the dogs that was trapped and have put it in an enclosed area and are giving it food and water. We would never do anything inhumane. But the stray dogs form packs and then follow their instincts. Sterilisation won't solve the problem as the Municipality doesn't have an enclosed area in which to take care of them so that they don't become wild and attack other animals. Sheep are also God's creatures." She added that residents are also afraid for their children.
Enimerosi has also had reports of dogs attacking animals and people in North Corfu.
Abandoned animals
"The problem of stray animals is created by people - it's not the fault of the animals," the responsible councillor Chrysoula Tombrou told Enimerosi. "A lot of these dogs, when they are by themselves, are tame and not at all dangerous. Some thoughtless people, however - some of whom are hunters - abandon the animals and particularly in that area. When a dog isn't sterilised and you abandon the puppies, the population increases, they form packs and follow their instincts, treating other animals as prey."
Confinement forbidden
"This is a known problem in the area and has been for years," she continued. "The Municipality only has limited solutions available. On the one hand, it is difficult to catch the dogs as they are very clever and get away - we have only been able to catch two or three. On the other hand, the confinement of animals is forbidden. If we catch them, we are only allowed to sterilise them, innoculate them and place a microchip. We are only allowed to keep them for up to a month until they are fully-recovered.
"Fortunately, the animal welfare groups help a lot and make efforts to find people interested in adopting them. They do a lot of good work," Ms. Tombrou added.
Animal shelter
The 'Philodimou' project is already underway for the creation of a municipal shelter which will be able to accommodate up to 40 animals. A suitable property has been found in Alimatades, which Ms. Tombrou says will be ready to start operating in a year. "The shelter will follow all the regulations, with a vet and full-time employees. However, the law doesn't allow the animals to remain confined for more than a month - they need to be adopted or set free."
Following this incident, it was revealed that there have been similar incidents in nearby areas such as Poulades, Yiannades, Marmara and the Ropa Valley.
The Greek Agricultural Insurace Organisation was called out along with Corfu Veterinary Clinic and a report compiled.
Legal remedies
The owners of the animals plan to take legal remedies and to take action against Central Corfu & Diapontia Islands Municipality, which is responsible for the care of stray animals.
Temploni Cultural Society President Magda Papanikolopoulou told Enimerosi that that there are at least 5-6 people who plan to take the matter to the Prosecutor.
"We all have animals at home that we love," said Ms. Papanikolopoulou. "We freed one of the dogs that was trapped and have put it in an enclosed area and are giving it food and water. We would never do anything inhumane. But the stray dogs form packs and then follow their instincts. Sterilisation won't solve the problem as the Municipality doesn't have an enclosed area in which to take care of them so that they don't become wild and attack other animals. Sheep are also God's creatures." She added that residents are also afraid for their children.
Enimerosi has also had reports of dogs attacking animals and people in North Corfu.
Abandoned animals
"The problem of stray animals is created by people - it's not the fault of the animals," the responsible councillor Chrysoula Tombrou told Enimerosi. "A lot of these dogs, when they are by themselves, are tame and not at all dangerous. Some thoughtless people, however - some of whom are hunters - abandon the animals and particularly in that area. When a dog isn't sterilised and you abandon the puppies, the population increases, they form packs and follow their instincts, treating other animals as prey."
Confinement forbidden
"This is a known problem in the area and has been for years," she continued. "The Municipality only has limited solutions available. On the one hand, it is difficult to catch the dogs as they are very clever and get away - we have only been able to catch two or three. On the other hand, the confinement of animals is forbidden. If we catch them, we are only allowed to sterilise them, innoculate them and place a microchip. We are only allowed to keep them for up to a month until they are fully-recovered.
"Fortunately, the animal welfare groups help a lot and make efforts to find people interested in adopting them. They do a lot of good work," Ms. Tombrou added.
Animal shelter
The 'Philodimou' project is already underway for the creation of a municipal shelter which will be able to accommodate up to 40 animals. A suitable property has been found in Alimatades, which Ms. Tombrou says will be ready to start operating in a year. "The shelter will follow all the regulations, with a vet and full-time employees. However, the law doesn't allow the animals to remain confined for more than a month - they need to be adopted or set free."
