Security camera captures driver killing stray dog in Gastouni; €3,000 bounty offered

The incident

On 18 June 2026, a gray car approached a stray dog named Sissy in the Stathmos area of Gastouni, Ilia. The driver slowed down, stopped directly in front of the animal, then accelerated and drove over it, killing the dog instantly. The entire sequence was recorded by a security camera and has since circulated widely in Greek media and social networks.

Community reaction

Sissy, a small elderly dog, had lived in the neighbourhood for over 15 years (some residents say more than 20). She was blind and hard of hearing, fed daily by locals, and had become a fixture of the area. A neighbour told Alpha television that no one expected her to die this way:

“If he had let it go for one second, it would have left.”

Residents have appealed on social media for anyone who recognises the vehicle to contact the authorities.

Investigation and bounty

The case has been reported to the Pineios Police Station. The Animal Protection Department of the Hellenic Police is now investigating, though the driver’s licence plate is not clearly visible in the footage, making identification difficult. On 20 June the Panhellenic Animal Welfare and Environmental Federation (PFP) announced a €3,000 reward for information leading to the driver’s location or arrest. The Federation also submitted a formal request to the police asking whether a case file has been opened, whether suspects have been identified, and what evidence has been collected.

“The effective handling of animal abuse and killing incidents is a matter of significant public interest and contributes to the consolidation of citizens’ sense of justice and security.”

Legal framework

Under Greece’s Law 4830/2021, the killing of a companion animal is a felony. Conviction can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine between €30,000 and €50,000. The Federation stressed that animal protection is both a legal duty and a measure of a society’s civilisation.