Greece: Man convicted of killing elderly couple's dog, sentenced to 3.5 years

A Greek court has found a 68-year-old man guilty of killing a dog, a crime that occurred three years ago. The dog, named Hector, was described by its elderly owners as their "child" and a constant companion. The court in Larissa heard that the man, a neighbor, shot the dog with a hunting rifle. The owners discovered the aftermath when they saw the man attempting to dispose of the dog's body in a trash bin. Forensic examination confirmed the cause of death was shotgun pellets fired at close range.

During the trial, the elderly owner expressed her profound grief and anger, stating, "Since Hector left, we lost our health. It was as if a child was taken from me."

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Since Hector left, we lost our health. It was as if a child was taken from me.

The accused denied the charges, admitting to owning a hunting rifle but claiming he was not home at the time of the incident. He asserted, "I consider dogs to be part of the family. I had no reason to do this. I don't know why they are accusing me."

Despite his defense, the court convicted him of killing the dog, illegal firearm possession, and use. He received a combined sentence of three and a half years in prison and a fine of 2,500 euros. The sentence is suspended pending appeal. The court did recognize the mitigating factor of his prior clean record.

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I consider dogs to be part of the family. I had no reason to do this. I don't know why they are accusing me.