Man on Donousa fined over €1.7 million for animal cruelty

Α 63-year-old man on the small island of Donousa was fined more than €1.7 million for allegedly torturing animals, authorities said on Tuesday.

The man kept 58 cats locked up and underfed, police from the Naxos and Small Cyclades Department said.

He was arrested following complaints and faces felony charges under the country’s animal protection laws.

The total fine is expected to exceed the staggering amount of €1.74 million, as authorities are still investigating additional violations, including the absence of microchips and health records for the cats.

The suspect, who has previously come to the attention of authorities for similar offenses, was taken to the Naxos Prosecutor’s Office.