The man arrested for the killing of a dog in Avliotes, Corfu, is expected to be brought before a prosecutor, in a case that has sparked widespread outrage following the release of video footage from the incident. The video shows a vehicle approaching the spot where the dog is lying and deliberately driving over it.
According to reports, the suspect is expected to request additional time before entering a plea, while criminal charges have already been filed against him by the North Corfu Police Department.
The incident took place in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, on a narrow road in the village of Avliotes. In the video, which quickly spread across social media, the vehicle can be seen approaching the dog, initially slowing down, and then driving over the animal. The vehicle briefly stops before driving away, while the dog, critically injured, dies seconds later.
The driver’s arrest and the filing of criminal charges have been confirmed through multiple reports covering the case.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Animal abuse: What penalties does the law provide?
It is worth noting that Greece’s current legal framework on the intentional killing of animals is particularly strict. Law 4830/2021 explicitly includes among acts of animal killing and torture the deliberate crushing, shooting, poisoning, and other acts causing death or serious physical harm.
Should the prosecutorial and investigative inquiry establish that the dog’s death was intentional, and the act falls under Article 24, paragraph 1b of the law, the offense would be classified as a felony.
Specifically, Article 34 of Law 4830/2021 provides for the killing or torture of an animal a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a financial penalty of up to 500 daily units, each set at between €50 and €100. The total financial penalty can therefore reach up to €50,000.
In addition to criminal proceedings, the law also provides for an administrative fine of between €30,000 and €50,000 per animal and per incident in cases of killing or torture. The level of the administrative sanction is set out in the current penalty schedule of the Ministry of the Interior.
The key factor in determining the criminal treatment of the suspect will be the assessment of the video footage and the remaining case evidence, specifically whether there was intent to kill the animal. The case now moves to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, where the charges to be brought against him and the further course of proceedings will be determined.
