Strays poisoned as tag deadline looms
The national veterinarian association yesterday called on pet owners to get electronic tags implanted in their animals under recent legislation intended to crack down on the country’s stray problem. At the same time, Athens residents complained that dozens of stray cats and dogs – as well as many of the city’s pigeons – have been poisoned in what appears to be an organized campaign. The problem is most acute in the central Ambelokipi district, where poisoned birds and animals have been found in many squares and parks. Deputy Athens Mayor Tonia Kanellopoulou yesterday condemned the poisonings, which she called an attempt to sabotage municipal authorities’ efforts to neuter and vaccinate the city’s strays. Pet owners have until the end of May to get their animals electronically tagged or face fines of up to 1,500 euros.
