At the beginning of January 2003, 58 stray cats and dogs were found slain in the vicinity of the Zappio Park in Athens, where the inaugural ceremony of the Greek Presidency took place. The animals were poisoned by agricultural pesticides, which were mixed in their food.

In a statement, MEP Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL), "condemns the slaying of the cats and dogs that had found a home in Zappio Park. While the deaths are a tragedy in themselves, they also highlight the urgent need to solve the problem of the many stray animals that populate the streets of Greece."

The Greek Animal Protection Society estimates that there are more than 700,000 strays in Greece, of which 60,000 are in the main cities.

However, more than a fortnight after the killings, the local authorities have yet to take action.

For further information please contact Mr. E. Bakopoulos (Nicolas Karayannis) + 32 2 284 71 31 or + 32 495 233 244