Thessaloniki: 56-Year-Old Arrested for Poisoning 8 Cats in Touba – Fined €60,000

Outrage has erupted both locally and across Greece following the arrest of a 56-year-old man accused of poisoning eight stray cats in the Touba area of Thessaloniki. Residents and animal welfare organizations noticed the cats dying one after another and reported the incidents to authorities, suspecting foul play involving poison. After an investigation using surveillance footage from the area, law enforcement identified the perpetrator, who allegedly committed the heinous act last Saturday. During his arrest, a food container suspected to contain poisoned food was seized and sent for analysis to the relevant authorities. The cats will also be examined by veterinary services in the coming days. In addition to facing charges for violating animal protection laws, the suspect has been fined €60,000 in administrative penalties. The case will now proceed to the Thessaloniki Primary Prosecutor’s Office, where the accused will be called upon to explain his actions in court.