Ignoring animal abuse will harm tourism
I have lost count of the number of times I have written about the animal abuse that still continues in Greece; Kos and Crete being two of the major offending islands. As you might remember, I wrote to you some while back about the dog hanger in Kardamena [on Kos], where a tourist found nine dogs hanged in trees but no response from either you nor any prosecution. This despite most of us knowing who this man is, including yourselves! You will more than likely be aware of the 16 neutered cats that were recently poisoned again on Kos. And with worldwide publicity and eyes focused on Greece, I am hoping this time you will take the matter seriously and initiate an investigation. With the ever-worsening economic situation in Greece, it would seem common sense to me for municipalities to recognize the fact that tourists will cease to visit because of the known animal abuse, thus hurting the economy even further. Greece is now into the notorious «end of the tourist season poisoning» and I ask you please to show some concern and, together with the police, find who has committed this heinous crime. I am sure you are aware that a directive was sent out from the chief of police in August reminding people of the fact that animal abuse is an offense in Greece. ELAINE COLE, UK
