Dozens of animal remains have been discovered at an illegal pet burial site in a public park in Athens, prompting a police investigation and a separate internal inquiry into whether municipal employees were involved, officials have said.
The discovery was made in Alsos Chorofylakis park after the city received complaints from residents. The burials have reportedly been taking place since 2021 near the city's municipal veterinary clinic.
The Deputy Mayor for Urban Fauna and Animal Welfare, Olga Dourou, said a municipal team inspected the site and found the remains.
"The police were immediately called, the area was sealed off, and I filed a complaint against those responsible,” she said.
Ms. Dourou stressed that the unauthorized burials pose a public health risk, as the park is a recreational space frequented by children.
The city has launched an internal investigation to determine how the burials were carried out.
The affected sections of the park have been cordoned off.