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Halkidiki: "We found one dead body after another" – Mass poisoning of strays, at least 21 dogs dead
🇬🇷 Greece

Halkidiki: "We found one dead body after another" – Mass poisoning of strays, at least 21 dogs dead

From Ta Nea · (17h ago) Greek Critical tone

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • At least 21 stray dogs were found dead in Vavdos, Halkidiki, in what appears to be a mass poisoning incident.
  • Authorities are investigating the incident, collecting samples to identify the substance, with initial indications pointing to a strong pesticide.
  • The dogs were reportedly cared for by a local woman, and the incident has caused shock and condemnation, with fears that other animals may also be affected.

The heart-wrenching discovery in Vavdos, Halkidiki, where at least 21 innocent stray dogs met a brutal end, has sent waves of shock and anger through our community. Ta Nea is deeply disturbed by this act of mass poisoning, a cowardly crime against vulnerable creatures who only knew kindness. The images of these beloved animals, found one after another, are a stark reminder of the cruelty that can exist.

Yesterday, Saturday, we had left around 6 PM. We returned after 11 PM and found the first dead dog on the main road. And then we started finding one dead body after another. Some were alive and we tried to save them, some we succeeded with and some we didn't.

— Eirini PanellaA local resident who cared for the stray dogs, describing the horrific discovery.

We commend the swift action of the Greek Police in launching a thorough investigation and collecting vital evidence, including samples from the animals' vomit. The preliminary findings suggesting a powerful pesticide are chilling, pointing to a deliberate and malicious act. It is imperative that the perpetrator, described by the municipal veterinarian as a dangerous criminal, is brought to justice swiftly.

Everyone knew her love for them. They called her crazy because she fed the animals.

— ResidentsDescribing the woman who cared for the stray dogs.

This tragedy also highlights the ongoing challenges of stray animal management in Greece. While the efforts to sterilize and care for these animals, as undertaken by Ms. Eirini Panella and supported by the Municipality, are commendable, they are met with a dark undercurrent of intolerance from some residents. The fact that these dogs, known for their gentle nature, were systematically poisoned in an area where they were known to be cared for is particularly galling. This is not just an isolated incident; the recent shooting of two cats in the same village underscores a disturbing pattern of animal cruelty.

None of these animals ever harmed a person. As soon as they saw a car stop, they would go towards it because they thought they would be fed.

— Eirini PanellaAsserting the gentle nature of the poisoned dogs.

From our perspective at Ta Nea, this incident is an affront to our values. We must stand united against such barbarity and demand accountability. The investigation must be exhaustive, and the community must come together to ensure the safety of all animals and to foster a culture of compassion, not cruelty. The fear that this poison may have spread, endangering livestock and other wildlife, adds another layer of urgency to this crisis.

It is a despicable incident that we not only condemn, but I am already cooperating with the Hellenic Police to find the perpetrator. We are talking about a dangerous criminal.

— Taxiarhis HasaleurisThe municipal veterinarian commenting on the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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