A man arrested in Corfu over the death of a stray dog was brought before a prosecutor Sunday as authorities pursued felony charges in a case that has sparked widespread outrage.
The suspect is expected to request additional time to prepare his defense. A criminal case has been filed against him in connection with the animal’s death.
Authorities identified and arrested the man shortly after an official complaint was filed and investigators reviewed video footage of the incident that had circulated on social media.
Dog killed in Avliotes
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 22, on a road in the village of Avliotes on Corfu.
According to the footage, the man’s car approaches the spot where the dog was sleeping and briefly slows down before driving over the animal.
The vehicle then appears to stop for a few seconds before leaving the scene. The dog, which had suffered severe injuries, died moments later.
Driver faces prison and fines
The case has caused anger among residents and beyond. Greece’s current law on the protection of companion animals, Law 4830/2021, provides severe penalties for the intentional killing of an animal.
Under the law, intentionally killing an animal can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
The driver also faces administrative fines that can reach €50,000.
