A 90-year-old man in northern Greece was slapped with a 30,000-euro fine and now faces a felony count of animal cruelty after he was accused and arrested for burying a dog alive. The incident generated widespread media and social attention and is being dealt with a much stricter legal framework emanating from a recent criminal code revision.

Luckily, a hiker passed by the remote site in the Nea Michaniona district, east of Thessaloniki, where the animal was buried in a plastic bag, realized what had happened and immediately called police. First responded retrieved the canine and transported it to animal shelter, where it received medical care.

In his statement to arresting officers, the septuagenarian claimed he believe the animal had died. Nevertheless, when recovered the dog’s paws were reportedly tied with tape, as was its muzzle.

Authorities added that the animal appeared elderly and reportedly belonged to the suspect’s daughter.

The elderly man was freed pending trial and ordered to appear regularly before a local police precinct.