In a latest case of animal cruelty that’s come to light through social media, Greek authorities have filed felony animal welfare charges against a woman after police rescued a German shepherd suffering from heatstroke, and after it was found tied up inside a locked car for several hours.
According to police information cited by local media, the dog had reportedly been left inside the vehicle from about 10 a.m. before officers were alerted shortly after 2:15 p.m. When they arrived, they found the animal tied inside the car and in critical condition.
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The dog reportedly showed no response when officers called to it or struck the vehicle’s windows. Remaining motionless and appearing barely conscious, it later began suffering convulsions, prompting officers to break a window in an attempt to rescue it.
The rescue was initially hampered because the dog had been tethered to the driver’s seat inside the vehicle.
According to the reports, the owner arrived while the rescue operation was underway but initially refused to hand over the car keys. She allegedly attempted to obstruct police officers and behaved aggressively as they tried to free the animal.
Officers eventually obtained the keys, unlocked the vehicle and rescued the dog, which was suffering from heatstroke. Employees of a nearby pet shop assisted in providing emergency care until the animal regained consciousness.
A prosecutor subsequently ordered the permanent removal of the dog from its owner. Authorities also filed felony charges under now stricter animal welfare legislation and imposed the maximum administrative fine of 50,000 euros available for such offenses.
The case has been referred to the courts as authorities examine not only the circumstances under which the dog was left tied inside the vehicle for hours, but also broader aspects of the owner’s treatment of animals.
