Athens, Greece – Greek police arrested a 63-year-old man on the Aegean island of Donoussa after 58 cats were found living in squalid and unsanitary conditions on his property. He was also fined a record €1.7 million (approximately $1.83 million) for animal cruelty.
The Naxos and Small Cyclades police conducted the inspection on November 11. They documented the mistreatment and poor living conditions of the cats within the fenced area owned by the man.
Police sources explained that the fine was calculated at €30,000 per animal. This is the maximum amount legally permitted under Greek animal welfare law. The suspect also faces potential criminal charges after being presented to the public prosecutor in Naxos.
The case received widespread coverage in Greece. The Greek Federation for Animal Welfare praised the fine, calling it one of the largest ever imposed for animal cruelty. It also noted that it sends “a clear message that neglecting or harming animals will not go unpunished.”
Greece strengthened its animal welfare legislation in 2021, imposing harsher penalties for abuse and neglect, and establishing a national pet registry. The 63-year-old man remains under investigation.
