Greek-Australian fugitive arrested; six pit bulls left behind

Six pit bull dogs remain at the home of James Dalamagas in Aigialeia, Greece, following the arrest of the 55-year-old Greek-Australian fugitive. Dalamagas had been sought by Australian authorities for 27 years in connection with a homicide case.

The dogs had already drawn the attention of local authorities months before the arrest. An initial complaint alleged Dalamagas bred pit bulls at his residence. However, a first inspection failed to confirm the claims due to a lack of direct visual access to the animals' location.

A second complaint prompted a new inspection by the Deputy Mayor for Stray Animal Management, Giorgos Fragkonikolopoulos, and municipal police. They discovered Dalamagas kept one adult female pit bull, which had recently given birth, and five other pit bulls, two females and three males. All the dogs were electronically tagged and vaccinated.

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The dogs were electronically tagged and vaccinated.

Dalamagas was informed about the legal framework for breeding companion animals. A local animal welfare organization president also provided detailed explanations of the law, and Dalamagas cooperated. He identified individuals to whom he had given puppies, though he denied any sales.

Dalamagas had previously faced Greek authorities over a domestic violence complaint filed by his mother. Now, with his arrest, the question of who will care for the six dogs has become immediate. Police have contacted a member of the municipal animal committee for assistance, and a dog trainer was consulted regarding potential collection of the animals.

For now, the pit bulls remain in their living space. Those who have interacted with them describe them as social and friendly, with no reported incidents of aggression. Their future will be determined by the prosecutor, who will decide if they stay under supervision at the home or are moved to a safe environment pending the legal proceedings against their owner.

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The dogs were described as social and friendly towards people, with no incidents of aggression recorded.