Greek Animal Rights Laws To Get Real Toothy

Greece has unveiled new legislation toughening sanctions for animal abuse and formally banning the use of animals in circuses, a junior minister said on Thursday.

The law, which has been publicised for debate until April 15, sets a maximum fine of 30,000 euros ($42,000) and a non-commutable prison sentence for the abuse or brutal treatment of animals.

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It also makes the electronic tagging of all pets compulsory.

"The behaviour of each society towards animals is a matter of culture," deputy agriculture minister Milena Apostolaki said.

"Each modern state is obliged to provide the necessary legal framework... to ensure an efficient animal policy," she told Flash Radio.

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Abuse of stray animals is frequent and often fatal in Greece.

Dogs in particular are poisoned and found hanged or mutilated, particularly in rural areas.

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In addition to condemning these incidents, animal groups have lobbied a succession of governments to forbid the operation of circuses in the country.

In 2009, an amateur video that showed a Circo Massimo employee striking and slashing an elephant with a hooked rod before a performance in the northern city of Florina caused a sensation in Greece.

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Until a few decades ago, dancing bears were a routine spectacle at Greek country fairs until authorities stamped the practice out.

Source-AFP