The driver who intentionally struck and abandoned a stray dog in the town of Gastouni, western Greece, has been identified by authorities.
According to reports, the driver is a 60-year-old local resident who was identified by police during an investigation launched after the video became public and a formal complaint was filed. The incident took place on June 18. Security camera footage captured her gray vehicle hitting the dog as it stood in the roadway. The footage also appears to show that another man and a child were inside the vehicle at the time.
Although she initially denied any involvement, she later reportedly claimed that she had not intended to kill the animal. According to her account, she believed the dog had moved away from the road when she started driving. Asked why she fled the scene after realizing what had happened, she reportedly said that she left because she was frightened.
Authorities, however, are said to have obtained additional video footage as well as witness statements that further strengthen the case against her.
It is worth noting that under Greece’s Law 4830/2021, the killing of a companion animal is classified as a felony and carries particularly severe penalties. The law provides for prison sentences of up to 10 years, while administrative fines ranging from €30,000 to €50,000 may also be imposed.
