A court on the island of Corfu imposed the maximum sentence so far by a Greek court in the last years to a 67-year-old man who shot his dog. The man was sentence to 33 months on suspension and a fine of 5,300 euros. Additionally, the man should expect the administrative fine of 30,000 euros.
The man was arrested five days ago for violating the Law for the Protection of animals as well as for illegal possession of a weapon.
The 67-year-old, who has appealed for the sentence imposed on him, is accused of shooting his dog in Perama village on last Wednesday.
A neighbor who saw the incident and even found buckshot on er home denounced the man to local police.
The dog was later found injured by members of “Kivotos” animal welfare society. It was transferred to a vet clinic where it was diagnosed to have suffered multiple injuries from the shooting that had resulted also into paralyzing both of her back legs.
Conducting investigation into the man’s yard, police discovered six puppies to which the dog had recently given birth, two adult dogs but also dead chicken and cats.
The puppies and the two dogs were handed out to the animal welfare society of Corfu.
The injured dog is currently in foster care, she is to be transferred to the Vet University Clinic in Thessaloniki due to the seriousness of her injuries.
Towards the court, the perpetrator claimed that he shot in the air in order to discipline his dog “but the dog jumped two meters high and was injured by the pellets.”
He had appeared in court without lawyer. He reportedly appealed for mercy saying that he suffers from disabilities.
However, the judge said that his disabilities did not hinder him from shooting at his dog thus leaving her paralyzed.
The man is known for his aggressive behavior in the village, notes animal welfare website zoosos. He appealed the court decision.
THIS IS DISGUSTING BEHAVIOUS BY LOCAL RESIDENTS! Suspending his sentence is NOT punishment, no doubt he will not pay anything of the fine either! These people are rotten to the core to shoot animals for no reason and for their own choice, IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE !!!! PUNISH THIS SCUMBAG AND MAKE AN EXAMPLE OF HIS DISGUSTING BEHAVIOUR. He deserves to be disabled, no sympathy for him there !
@June Newby, you obviously have not been in Greece lately. Although there are still some Greeks who abuse animals, it is so rare now and especially since the majority of Greeks now a days are like most countries that they abhor violence against animal and are just as outraged as Americans, Brits or others when this happens. Please don’t generalize a whole island or country by the behavior of one mean man.