Animals
National Animal
The Dolphin“The soul is the same in all living creatures, although
the body of each is different.”
Hippocrates
Animals commonly seen in the wild
Marine fauna:
Seals, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, shark, sardines, mullets, groupers.
Birds:
Kingfishers, golden orioles, hoopoes, swallows, rollers and bee-eaters.
Land mammals:
Kri-kris (also called Cretan goats), mice, martens and badgers (kinds of weasels), mouflons (kind of wild sheep), deer.
Snakes and insects:
Vipers, turtles, lizards, frogs, dragonflies, glow worms, grasshoppers, crickets
Common sights you will not like
In the city and on the road
Stray dogs and cats are quite a common site around Greece. Common horror stories such as dumping of pets in garbage bins, or drowned. Horses are used for carriage rides in the heat and for hours on end.
In theCountryside
Dogs are often tied up for days or more on leashes. Donkeys carrying heavy loads.
General animal welfare issues
Due to much dog poisoning a law was passed in 2012, stipulating a fine 30,000 Euros for this type of behaviour.
Hunting or poaching:
KriKri (wild goat) hunting is legal and is widely practiced in Greece. Foreigners come from far and wide to participate in krikri hunts. Poaching of birds happens illegally.
Animal fights:
Though dog fights are illegal in Greece, these types of fights unfortunately still take place.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as these practices still frequently take place in many countries.
