Information on the horrific treatment of hunting dogs in Greece is scarce, so like me, you may not have been aware of it. My internet search revealed only two sources that depicted a brutally honest portrayal of the atrocious situation.
Greece, a nation steeped in history and tradition, holds a deep connection to hunting—a practice passed down through generations, particularly in rural communities. Ancient Greek hunters honoured their dogs as faithful partners, but the current situation is a grim contrast. The relationship between Greek hunters and their dogs has become an open wound in the realm of animal welfare, and one that refuses to heal.
For many Greek hunters, their dogs are little more than tools. These animals are often kept chained, devoid of affection, and only see freedom during hunting season. When their usefulness wanes—whether due to age, injury, or simply because they fail to meet expectations—they are abandoned without a second thought. The fate of these dogs is a tragic one: left to wander the harsh mountains, they often return to the very spot where they were discarded, waiting in vain for an owner who will never come back.
Starvation, disease, and injuries take their toll as these dogs wait, sometimes for days or even weeks. When they can no longer survive in the wilderness, they stumble back into civilization—emaciated, broken, and utterly defeated. Sadly, these hunting dogs make up a significant portion of the abandoned animals in Greece, overwhelming shelters and animal welfare groups that are already stretched thin. The few that are rescued face another uphill battle: they are seldom chosen for adoption, their years of mistreatment leaving them with scars, both physical and emotional, that make them less appealing to potential adopters.
Efforts to bridge the gap between the hunting community and animal welfare advocates have seen little success. Save a Greek Stray, an organization dedicated to rescuing these forgotten dogs, recently proposed that hunters surrender unwanted dogs to their shelter instead of abandoning them. While this could mark the beginning of a much-needed dialogue, the deep-rooted cultural divide remains a significant barrier.
What makes this situation even more heart-wrenching is the contrast with ancient Greek values. In a time when dogs were cherished and respected, monuments were erected in their memory, and they were seen as loyal protectors and companions. The story of Odysseus and his loyal dog Argos is one of the most poignant examples of the bond between humans and dogs in ancient Greece. Yet, today, this once-sacred relationship has been reduced to a mere transactional exchange, where the dog’s worth is measured solely by its ability to hunt.
The treatment of hunting dogs in Greece is emblematic of a broader issue within the country. Strays roam the streets, their presence seen by some as an integral part of Greek culture—an idea that conveniently overlooks the starvation, disease, and abuse these animals endure. Many die slow, agonizing deaths, whether from exposure to the elements or from deliberate acts of cruelty, such as poisoning.
This crisis is exacerbated by resistance to mandatory sterilization laws, which aim to control the population of stray and abandoned dogs. Opponents argue that these laws threaten ancient breeds like the Cretan Hound, a rare and prized hunting dog that has been bred unchanged for over 5,000 years. However, while they fight to preserve their rights to breed and own dogs, they remain indifferent to the suffering of the animals themselves.
One of many thousands of ex-hunting dogs dumped in Greece every year. Luckily, this dog was rescued and now lives in a private shelter near Meteora.
The right to be free from abuse and suffering is not just a human right; it is a fundamental right for all living beings. Yet, in Greece, this right is often overlooked, especially when it comes to hunting dogs and companion animals. It is time for a cultural shift, one that rekindles the ancient Greek respect for these loyal animals and puts an end to the cruelty that has become all too common.
The plight of Greek hunting dogs is a painful reminder that traditions, while important, should not come at the expense of compassion. It is our responsibility to advocate for these animals, to speak out against their mistreatment, and to work towards a future where they are valued not just as hunters, but as companions deserving of love and respect.
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