A 63-year-old resident of the island of Donousa in Cyclades was sentenced to three years in prison without parole and a fine of 3,000 euros for keeping 58 cats in unsuitable living conditions. €
The 63-year-old was taken to trial and appeared apologetic, claiming that he “loves the kittens and only wants what is best for them,” local media cyclades24.gr reported.
The man is being taken to prison, putting an end to the case that had caused anger and indignation among the local residents and animal welfare organization.
The fine of 3,000 euros is in addition to the administrative fine of 1.7 million euros imposed by the police, who filed a criminal case.
The fine is calculated based on the law, which provides for 30,000 euros per animal. However, he was ultimately tried for misdemeanors, which means that he will likely be sentenced.
The case that led to his conviction had begun after complaints from animal lovers in Donoussa.
By order of the Aegean prosecutor, an operation was organized to arrest the man. Police officers from the Naxos and Small Cyclades Department arrested the 63-year-old and, in the context of an investigation carried out in a fenced area with buildings that he used, animals were found in an environment that did not meet the basic requirements of hygiene and care.
In photographs that saw the light of day, the cats were depicted living locked up and malnourished in garbage.
The 63-year-old had also concerned the authorities in Moschato in the past for similar reasons.
His case of hoarding and abuse animals first came to light in 2019, when police searched his home, following neighbors complaints about foul odor coming out of his home.
There, police found 11 extremely malnourished dogs and 20 cats in a squalid state in a dark basement, as well as nooses and other items that suggested animal abuse. it is not clear, whether the man was sentenced back then.
In Donoussa, the situation was equally shocking. Authorities found about 58 cats crammed into a squalid, dark, and dirty room, lacking basic hygiene and care.
Greece as incompetent as ever! A man, clearly, in a menthal state that his intentions are good but doesnt see that the execution goes totallt wrong. But putting him away in prison for 3 years? Fining him 1,7 milion ? C’mon! He needs to be checked by psychiatrics and get help not put away in prison! And the 1,7 milion; Is that an amount the Greek state is putting on the receivables post. To create another idiotic balance as government (we still have bilions oustanding, will never ever receive it but hey look europe how rich we are
Only one word comes to mind : Idiots !
We have no idea what will become of these 50 or so cats: Donousa is a tiny island with no shelter and certainly no vet (hence the headache of sterilisation).