Huge fines for animal abuse and killings

The relevant Directorate of Rural Development in the municipality of Larissa, usually after complaints animal welfare organizations, levies on regular citizens, administrative penalties and fines for various offenses under law 4039/12 ("Onpets and stray companion animals and the protection of such animals from the exploitation or use for profit").

However, the case of the 67 year old probably has no precedent since he received the anticipated maximum fine of 30,000 euros "for each animal and for each incident", so the total fine for 9 dogs reach this amount.

Without more details being known, in August 2013, as was denounced to the then Larissa Municipal Police, in the area of Ag. Marina, the 67 year old proceeded to kill eight newborn puppies and abuse another dog. The puppies were found killed in nylon bag, under stones.

The recorded offense was communicated to the Rural Development Department of the Municipality of Larissa and the Department of Revenue of the municipality in turn should, sooner or later, turn the fine over to the Tax Office (DOY) for service.

The question remains, whether the fines imposed will just lead to more strays as more unwanted animals will be turned to the street, rather than be euthanized for fear of such fines and possible jail sentences. There is also the question of euthanasia at stray animal shelters that can only keep strays for specific lengths of time, or by licensed vets.