The man arrested in connection with the killing of a dog in Avliotes, Corfu, is expected to appear before the prosecutor, an incident that has sparked outrage following the release of a video showing a vehicle running over the animal while it was lying on the road.
According to reports, the suspect is expected to request a postponement to present his defense, while the North Corfu Police Department has already filed charges against him.
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The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, on a narrow street in the village of Avliotes. In the video posted on social media, the vehicle can be seen approaching the dog, initially slowing down, and then running over the animal. Immediately afterward, the vehicle stops briefly and then drives away, while the dog, seriously injured, dies a few seconds later.
SEE ALSO: Unbelievable cruelty in Corfu: Driver ran over and killed a dog sleeping on the street
The driver’s arrest and the filing of charges have also been confirmed by media reports on the case.
The video contains very graphic images:
What penalties does the law provide for?
It should be noted that the current legal framework for the intentional killing of an animal is particularly strict. Law 4830/2021 explicitly includes, among other things, the killing and torture of animals, such as deliberate crushing, shooting, poisoning, and other acts that cause death or serious bodily injury.
Therefore, the investigation by the public prosecutor and the preliminary inquiry reveals that the dog’s death was caused intentionally and the act falls under the provisions of Article 24(1)(b) of the law, this constitutes a felony.
Specifically, Article 34 of Law 4830/2021 provides for the killing or torture of an animal with imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to 500 daily units, each of which is set at between 50 and 100 euros. The criminal fine may, therefore, amount to as much as 50,000 euros.
In addition to criminal proceedings, an administrative fine ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 euros is imposed for each animal and for each incident in cases of killing or torture. The amount of the administrative penalty is set forth in the Ministry of the Interior’s current schedule of fines.
The key factor now for the criminal prosecution of the arrested individual is the evaluation of the video footage and the rest of the evidence in the case file to determine whether there was intent to kill the animal. The case is now being referred to the District Attorney’s Office, where the charges to be brought against him and the further course of the proceedings will be determined.
Source: Proto Thema
