Newsflash from Friday, 16 January 2026:
Five Dogs Rescued in Kissamos as Owner Arrested for Animal Cruelty
A disturbing case of animal cruelty has come to light in Kissamos, Chania, where authorities arrested a 60-year-old man following the discovery of five dogs living in severely neglected conditions. The intervention, carried out under a prosecutor’s order, led to the immediate removal of the animals and the detention of their owner.
Authorities Act After Complaint
The case unfolded after a complaint—reportedly submitted by a foreign national—alerted police to the dogs’ dire living conditions. Officers from the Kissamos Police Department, known locally for their swift response to animal welfare cases, conducted an on-site inspection of the man’s property.
During the initial check, three dogs were found in an emaciated and unhygienic state. The investigation was then extended to a nearby property belonging to the same individual, where two additional dogs were discovered in similarly critical condition.
Prosecutor Orders Immediate Removal
One of the five dogs showed visible symptoms of leishmaniasis (kala-azar), highlighting the urgency of the situation. Following the findings, the Public Prosecutor of Chania approved the immediate confiscation of all five animals.
The dogs were transferred to a safe location, where they are now receiving care. However, animal welfare groups stress that they require urgent and intensive veterinary treatment.
Charges and Fines Imposed
According to the official police statement, the man was arrested on January 15, 2026, for violations of Greece’s animal welfare legislation. Authorities confirmed that:
– The dogs were kept in conditions unsuitable for hygiene and survival
– The case qualifies as passive animal abuse
– The animals lacked mandatory electronic identification (microchips)
Administrative fines were imposed, and a preliminary investigation is being conducted by the Kissamos Police Department. The suspect is expected to appear in court under the fast-track (autoforo) procedure.
Appeal for Foster Homes
The animal welfare organization involved has issued an urgent appeal for temporary foster care or adoption, asking the public to help provide the dogs with a safe environment until they recover fully and a final court decision is reached.
A Reminder of Responsibility
The case has sparked renewed discussion about animal welfare enforcement and responsible pet ownership in Crete. Authorities and activists alike emphasize that reports from citizens play a crucial role in preventing abuse and protecting vulnerable animals.
Anyone who witnesses suspected animal cruelty is urged to contact local authorities immediately.
Outrage in Chania: Over 20 Cats Poisoned in Shocking Mass Killing in Gogoni
A wave of anger and grief has swept through Gogoni in Chania, after a mass poisoning of stray cats left more than 20 animals dead over the course of just two weeks. The killings, believed to have been carried out using poisoned bait, have sparked urgent calls for justice and stronger action to protect animals.
A Crime That Unfolded Over Days
According to reports, the first dead cats were found on December 27, 2025, near the SYN.KA. supermarket at the intersection of Anagnostou Gogoni and K. Manou streets. Since then, deaths have continued, with the total number of victims still unknown.
The cats, many of them fed regularly by employees of the supermarket and local volunteers, were discovered dead near trash bins, open fields behind the store, and surrounding areas. Residents describe the scene as horrifying, with both adult cats and kittens among the victims.
Fear and Silence Allowed the Crime to Continue
Despite the scale of the incident, no immediate report was made to the police. Shocked witnesses reportedly buried the animals, believing that no one would take action or that the perpetrator would never be found. Animal welfare advocates warn that this silence may have allowed the poisoning to continue unchecked.
Animal lover Maria Poulidaki, who brought the case to public attention through social media, stressed that filing an official complaint is essential if authorities are to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Calls for Action and Responsibility
In her public statement, Poulidaki appealed to the management of the supermarket to once again allow feeding stations for the cats, noting that many businesses in Chania now support and care for stray animals as a sign of social responsibility and compassion.
“This is a matter of culture and humanity,” she wrote, emphasizing that consumers increasingly support businesses that demonstrate ethical behavior toward animals.
An Ongoing Investigation Needed
Animal welfare groups are urging anyone with information to contact the police immediately and file formal complaints. Under Greek law, the poisoning and killing of animals is a serious criminal offense, punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment.
A Community in Mourning
The tragedy in Gogoni has reignited debate over the protection of stray animals in urban areas and the need for swift reporting of abuse. For residents and volunteers who cared for the cats for years, the loss is deeply personal—and the demand for accountability is growing louder by the day.
Authorities are now under pressure to investigate thoroughly and ensure that those responsible for this cruel and illegal act are brought to justice.
Poisoned cats in Gry Lygia (Ierapetra)
Following a call from the Ierapetra municipal police regarding an incident involving dead cats found by citizens, Giorgos Chorafas scheduled an autopsy with 🐕🦺 Nessi for 15 January 2026, in Gra Lygia within the settlement.
During the investigation, three more 🐈🐈🐈 cats and a 🐁 mouse were found, which had been dead for more than 15 days. Although there are no obvious signs of the use of toxic substances, the numerous deaths indicate poisoning of the animals, with death most likely due to the use of rat poison.
The investigation team from the Hunting Association of Crete and the Dodecanese was accompanied by the federal gamekeeper Mr. @ΓιάννηςΜαυρικάκης and the municipal police officer Mr. @MarinosGaitanakis. The investigation was taken over by the municipal police of Ierapetra.
The photos were taken by @GeorgeChorafas and @MarinosGaitanakis.
