An animal protection group is caring for a dog found critically injured near a village in southern Greece, in what veterinarians believe was a shocking act of deliberate mutilation.
Volunteers from the local animal welfare society "Noiazomai" (I Care) discovered the dog bleeding profusely near the Pyrgos-Kyparissia coastal highway in the Elis prefecture.
While initially suspecting the animal had been shot, an examining veterinarian determined the severe hemorrhaging was primarily from its rectum, likely caused by a violently inserted object. The dog's wounds were treated, and it remains in critical condition under veterinary care, the group said in a statement. An official complaint has been filed with local police, and a reward is reportedly being offered for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrator.
The incident is the latest in a series of animal cruelty cases that have drawn widespread public attention and condemnation across Greece in recent months.
It remains unclear whether such acts are increasing or if heightened public awareness and social media are simply bringing more instances to light.