Greek authorities have imposed a 50,000-euro administrative fine on the woman identified as the driver who allegedly ran over and killed an elderly stray dog in the northwestern Peloponnese town of Gastouni, as prosecutors prepare to review the case for possible felony charges.

Police identified the 60-year-old woman following an investigation into the June 18 incident, which was captured by a security camera and triggered widespread public condemnation after the footage circulated online.

According to police, the woman appeared before investigators to provide an explanation. The case file will now be assessed by a relevant prosecutor, who will decide whether to bring felony charges under Greece’s now stricter animal welfare legislation.

Security camera footage appears to show a passenger vehicle approaching the location where the elderly stray dog was lying on the road, slowing down, then stopping, and then driving over the animal, which died at the scene.

At least a pair of nationwide animal rights groups have been granted standing to support the prosecution, thereby awaiting a copy of the case file from the Amaliada prosecutor’s office next week.

Animal welfare organizations have argued that the incident should serve as a test case for the rigorous application of legislation introduced in 2021, which significantly increased penalties for acts of animal abuse.

Under the specific law, the intentional killing of an animal is classified as a felony punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a criminal fine ranging from 30,000 euro to 50,000 euros. The 50,000-euro administrative penalty imposed by police is separate from any criminal proceedings and remains payable regardless of the outcome of the criminal case.