Despite significant safety improvements in automobile and in the design of roads, car accidents remain quite common. It is likely that any given person will be involved in at least one serious automobile accident during his or her lifetime. This article explores when a car accident may result in litigation.
If you are involved in a car accident, you may benefit from reviewing these suggestions about what to do after a car accident, and from consulting a personal injury lawyer.
Litigation After Car Accidents
Not every car accident will result in litigation. Where nobody is injured or injuries are minor, it may be possible to resolve all claims for medical care and property damage directly with the drivers' car insurance companies. The greater the damage or injury that results from a car accident, the more likely it is that a lawsuit will follow.
Causes of Car Accidents
There are a wide variety of possible causes for automobile accidents, including:
Driver Error - The most common cause of car accidents is driver error. Common errors which contribute to accidents include failure to yield the right of way, following too closely, driving at excessive speeds, unsafe passing, and disregard of traffic control devices.
Distractions - When the driver's attention becomes diverted from the road, the chances of an accident increase. Distractions may occur from outside of the car, such as when something at the side of the road draws a driver's attention. Distractions also occur inside cars, such as where the driver attempts to read or put on makeup while driving, change CD's in the CD player, dials a cellular phone, or attempts to parent an upset or unruly child.
Intoxication - Motorists whose ability to drive is impaired as a result of the consumption of alcohol or drugs are more likely to cause car accidents.
Bad Weather - Sometimes, bad weather conditions will contribute to an accident by interfering with visibility, diminishing traction on the road surface, or otherwise making it more difficult to drive a car. A driver should take the effects of the weather, such as strong cross-winds or slippery roads, into consideration when driving. Sometimes the weather will cause an unexpected hazard, such as black ice or flash flooding, which may not be detected by a driver until it is too late to avoid the hazard.
Road Design - A poorly designed roadway, intersection, or means of controlling traffic can at times cause or contribute to an accident. Poorly placed and poorly designed road signs or barriers can cause unnecessary injury when vehicles collide with them. At times, such defects will result in liability by the governmental agency responsible for the design and maintenance of the roadway, although governmental immunity may apply.
Road Conditions - The conditions of a roadway can be bad for a number of reasons, including weather, poor design or maintenance, or the presence of objects or debris on the roadway. Such factors can cause or contribute to accidents.
Vehicle Defects - At times an accident will result from a defect with a driver's vehicle, such as a tire blowout, brake failure, or other mechanical failure. Sometimes the injuries suffered in an accident will be made worse by a design or manufacturing defect with a vehicle, such as a design defect which makes an SUV more susceptible to rolling over in an accident or a gas tank more likely to ignite in a collision, or a manufacturing defect which causes a seatbelt to fail or an airbag to deploy improperly.
Most automobile accident litigation involves two vehicles, with a driver or passenger from the first vehicle claiming that the driver of the second vehicle caused the accident through negligent driving. Sometimes the litigation will involve the driver and passenger of a single vehicle, with the passenger claiming injury as a result of the driver's negligence. At times, litigation will be against a governmental agency which is alleged to have failed to properly design or maintain a roadway or intersection. Car accident litigation may also include a product liability claim against the manufacturer of a vehicle or part of a vehicle, alleging a design or manufacturing defect which contributed to the accident. A claim might also arise against a mechanic or service center whose work left a vehicle in a hazardous condition.
Special issues can arise in automobile litigation which make it more difficult to litigate a car accident claim, which make additional parties potentially liable for injuries, or which must be considered during the course of litigating a case. Special issues arising from the accident itself include:
Hit-and-Run Accidents: Where the driver who causes an accident fails to stop at the accident scene, it may be difficult for the victim of the accident to later identify the at-fault driver so as to bring a lawsuit.
Car-Pedestrian Accidents: Where a motor vehicle collides with a pedestrian, the pedestrian will often suffer catastrophic injury. Pedestrians often have difficulty making claims against drivers, with accidents frequently attributed to the conduct of the pedestrian.
Car-Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle drivers are susceptible to serious injury, even in collisions which would be relatively minor had they occurred between cars. Some suggest that motorcyclists suffer from a predisposition by juries to blame them for causing an accident, even where the driver of a car was clearly negligent.
Car-Bicycle Accidents: Bicyclists are vulnerable to serious injury when hit by cars, and are aslo susceptible to having drivers open car doors in front of them - a hazard which can cause them to be caterpaulted over the car door in a collision. Drivers often report that they did not see the bicyclist until after the collision, or that they misjudged the bicyclist's speed. Some bicyclists engage in very hazardous actions, such as ignoring traffic signals or riding on the wrong side of the road, making an accident much more likely. The most severe and lasting injuries to bicyclists tend to be head injuries, so helmet use is encouraged.
Bus Accidents: Bus accidents can be quite serious, given the size and mass of a typical bus, and the fact that passengers are usually unrestrained. Special issues can arise in accidents involving school buses, and in the context of loading and unloading passengers.
Semi Truck / Tractor-Trailer Accidents: The drivers of "big rigs" are subject to state and federal regulation, governing how many hours a day they can drive, how much sleep they are to get each night, and the condition and maintenance of their trucks. Drivers typically get paid by the mile driven, and thus have a strong incentive to ignore rules which limit their driving time. Obviously, when a semi truck causes an accident, the consequences to any smaller vehicle and its passengers can be devastating.
After-Market Vehicle Modifications: Where a vehicle has after-market modifications, such as being raised or lowered, having powerful or tinted headlights or foglights intalled, or window tinting, those modifications may affect both the safety of the vehicle for its occupants and the hazard posed by the vehicle to other drivers.
Accidents Caused by Road Debris: Where road debris causes an accident, whether in the form of objects or parts which have fallen off of vehicles, or debris that is kicked up from the roadway and collides with another vehicle, it can often be difficult to determine who was at fault for the presence of the debris on the road. States may also limit liability based upon how long the debris was on the road.
Special issues which may affect liability include:
Governmental Immunity: States may limit an injury victim's ability to sue when the driver of the vehicle that causes an accident is a governmental employee who is working at the time of the accident, or where the accident involves a government-owned vehicle.
Owner Liability: Where the driver of a vehicle has the owner's permission to operate that vehicle, many jurisdictions will hold the owner jointly liable for injuries caused by the driver's negligent operation of the vehicle.
Employer Liability: Where an employee is driving a vehicle "on the job", or as the lawyers might say "within the course and scope of employment", the employer may be jointly liable for injuries caused by the employee's negligent driving conduct.
Cellular Phone Usage: In a number of states, courts are increasingly receptive to the argument that where a driver who causes an accident is talking on a cellular phone, the call was work-related, and the driver's employer expects employees to handle work-related phone calls while driving, the employer may share liability for an accident caused by the employee.
The insurance problems car accident victims have with insurance coverage typically fall into three categories:
Uninsured Driver - Where the at-fault driver is uninsured, it can be difficult for a person who is injured in a car accident to obtain appropriate compensation. Where the injured person is uninsured, states are increasingly modifying their laws to limit the uninsured accident victim's right to sue for pain and suffering damages. Many drivers carry "uninsured motorist coverage" through their own automobile insurance policies, so that they have a source of compensation in the event that the other driver fails to carry insurance or cannot be identified.
Underinsured Driver - Similar to the uninsured driver, some drivers carry inadequate insurance coverage, often at the minimum level required by state law. Many states have very low insurance requirements, which unfortunately means that some of the worst drivers on the road carry inadequate coverage due to the high cost of insurance which results from their bad driving records. Some carinsurance companies offer underinsured motorist coverage, so drivers can protect themselves in the event that they are in an accident caused by somebody who carries inadequate coverage.
Insurance Company Bad Faith - When people make claims with their insurance companies, they sometimes run into difficulty with the insurance company's refusal to negotiate the claim fairly. For example, an insurance company may refuse to offer fair value for a "totaled" car. In "no fault" states, where drivers insure for their own accident-related medical care, it can involve the improper denial of coverage or reimbursement by the insurance company.
Statute of Limitations
Anybody who is considering bringing a legal claim as a result of a car accident should note that their ability to pursue their claim will be limited by the statute of limitations of the jurisdiction where the accident occurred.


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Mr. Sinor's expertise comes from a career spanning over 43 years in the commercial banking sector.
He joined the Central Bank of India in 1965, moving to the Union Bank of India in 1969, where he worked for 28 years, and held a series of positions, including that of General Manager.
In 1996, he was appointed Executive Director of the Central Bank of India. He joined ICICI Bank in July 1997 as Executive Director, and was appointed Managing Director and CEO in 1998. Following the merger of ICICI and ICICI Bank in 2002, he served as Joint Managing Director of ICICI Bank.
Mr. Sinor retired from ICICI Bank in 2003 and joined the Indian Bank's Association as Chief Executive and Secretary. He has worked on various committees of the Reserve Bank of India, the Indian Bank's Association and the Confederation of Indian Industry, actively contributing to their policy and decision-making processes.
Mr. Sinor holds degrees in commerce and law.


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Sherry Fiester’s work is receiving recognition from experts and writers in the United States – and across the globe.
Barry Ernest, Author –“The Girl on the Stairs”
It is an unfortunate fact that persuasive myths abound when one studies the JFK assassination. The subject seems saturated with disinformation and literary garbage. My kudos go to Sherry, who takes the right approach here. She skillfully attacks and puts to rest some of the more blatant myths not with biased counter opinion, but with forensic truths. I’m a strong proponent of this method to solving the puzzle and so I greatly admire this book. It is a must read for those seeking facts instead of fallacy.
Barry Krusch, Author –“The Case Against Lee Harvey Oswald” and “The 21st Century Constitution”
One of the primary keys to understanding the JFK assassination case is understanding how the rules of the game were violated in practically every area; ludicrously substandard Secret Service protection, ludicrously substandard autopsy procedures, and a ludicrously substandard Dallas Police Department investigation. Sherry fills an important hole in JFK research, showing how the Dallas Police Department violated protocols that were in place as early as the 1950s. The reader can take this information and start to put the pieces of the puzzle together: could there really have been so many unintentional failures in so many different areas within a 24-hour period?
Cyril Wecht, MD, JD, Author –“From Crime to Courtroom,” “Mortal Evidence,” “A Question of Murder,” and “Cause of Death”
The passing of a half century has not dulled the intensity of interest and consternation regarding the death of President Kennedy. Indeed, as more information is tediously extracted from official government files and new technology is utilized in analyzing the scientific aspects of this matter, the percentage of Americans who reject the Warren Commission’s conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald was a sole assassin continues to grow. Ms. Fiester’s fascinating, extensively researched book presents a powerful and cogent basis for repudiation of the WCR. A true literary dissection performed with a sharp analytical scalpel.
Ian Griggs (UK), Author –“No Case to Answer”
I have met many so-called “experts” during four decades spent researching the Dallas case, but Sherry Fiester has proven herself to be a genuine expert in the true and legal meaning of the word. “Enemy of the Truth” is a major contribution to the research community; proving Sherry is certainly doing her part in revealing the truth of what happened in Dealey Plaza.
Jim Marrs, Author – Crossfire, Our Occulted History, Rule by Secrecy and The Terror Conspiracy
Sherry Fiester separates scientific fact from informed speculation and uninformed theories. Follow Fiester’s lead as she takes the reader down the tortuous path of winding complexities of forensic science in relation to the Kennedy assassination as she explodes one myth after another.
Lamar Waldron, Author –“Watergate: The Hidden History” , “Ultimate Sacrifice” and “ Legacy of Secrecy”
Sherry Fiester’s excellent new book is sensible, well informed, and methodical—things that are often all too rare in books about the assassination of President Kennedy. Drawing on her extensive forensic and law enforcement background, her careful analysis uses the most recent studies and evidence to debunk important myths that still surround JFK’s shooting. Even when covering technical or complex issues, her book is easy to follow while still conveying important information. I highly recommend it.
Larry Hancock, Author –“Someone Would Have Talked,” “NEXUS,” and The Awful Grace of God”
Forensics science has advanced significantly in the decades following the 1964 inquiry into the death of President Kennedy. Contemporary scientific methods have invalidated or brought into strong question the techniques used in the assassination investigation. Yet, up to now no experienced, law enforcement criminalist has stepped up to the challenge of re-examining the President’s murder with current day knowledge – until now. In Enemy of the Truth, Sherry Fiester does just that; and anyone with even a passing interest in JFK’s murder needs to examine her analysis and conclusions.
Phil Dragoo, Historical researcher
I find Fiester's work to be quietly significant in the manner of an iceberg or tectonic shift with forensic analysis that provides all-important clarity. Her placement of the source for the head shot is stunning. So many grains at so many feet per second, at a certain angle to the horizontal with a given azimuth, entering the right temple, exiting the right occipital parietal, taking with it hope for peace.
Stuart Wexler, Author –“The Awful Grace of God”
Sherry Fiester’s treatment of the ballistics evidence is even-handed, accessible and insightful. She clears away the misconceptions about what the evidence shows and doesn’t show, opening up the reader to her informed and original approach to what happened in Dealey Plaza.
Vincent Palamara, Author –SURVIVOR'S GUILT: The Secret Service and The Failure To Protect The President and JFK: The Medical Evidence Reference
Fiester has written a masterpiece on the JFK assassination that embraces the scientific method, not just the same theory-driven work we see time and again from countless authors on this case. This is not a book you will read once and then consign to the dust bin of history; far from it. "Enemy of the Truth" is a fine work that you will find yourself refering to again and again.
William LeBlanc, Certified Forensic Crime Scene Investigator
Forensics can be a complicated subject, yet Fiester provides the reader with easily understood, accurate, information. Enemy of the Truth is so comprehensive in its approach, this work should be used in the instruction of all new crime scene investigators nationwide.


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Official Journal of the Greek Government
LAW No. 4039
Concerning domestic and stray companion animals and the protection of animals from any exploitation or use for economic profit.
President of the Greek Republic
We publish the following law which passed in the Greek Parliament
In order to enhance the application of the provisions of this law, the following definitions (shall) apply:
(a) An Animal is every living organism that has the capacity to experience feelings (sentient being) that lives on the land, air and sea or in any other aquatic ecosystem or wetland.
b) Well-being of an animal is the set of rules that humans must apply to animals, regarding
– their protection and good treatment, so that they don’t suffer and they are not in pain
– their stay in a dry and clean space, protected from weather conditions, without them being permanently tethered somewhere and live within inappropriate spaces/structures (e.g. made out of materials such as metal)
– the provision of medical care as well as food and water, according to their needs,
– their daily exercise or walk and in general regarding the care and respect humans must show to animals.
c) Companion animal is considered any animal that is kept or is intended to be kept by a human, mainly inside his residence for reasons of love for animals or companionship.
d) Domestic companion animal is every animal which is not considered wild, and is kept or is intended to be kept by a human, mainly inside his residence, for reasons of love for animals or companionship and is placed under the immediate care of its owner, holder or guardian. Dogs used for hunting, protection of herds, and guardianship of spaces, assistance and protection of people with disabilities are also considered companion animals, as well as search and rescue dogs and dogs used in the army and security forces.
e) Stray animal is considered any companion animal which is either homeless or is found outside the limits of its owner’s, keeper’s, or guardian’s residence and is not under his immediate supervision and control. Hunting and flock guarding dogs, as well as rescue and search dogs, are not considered stray animals during their hunting, training, flock guarding, search and rescue missions.
f) A companion animal is considered dangerous when it consistently demonstrates unprovoked aggressive behavior towards humans or other animals, as well as any animal suffering or is carrier of a severe infection, which can be transmitted to humans or other animals and is not treatable.
g) Small companion animal is a companion animal the weights not more than ten (10) kilos.
h) Stray animals shelter is a special facility, intended for the care and temporary stay of a large number of stray or unwanted companion animals.
i) Serious disease is any disease of imminent and of high risk towards human health or animal health (of the same or any other kind).
j) Circus is the temporary outdoor facility or tent, in which several types of entertaining shows and performances, which include music and dancing, take place and this for profitable purposes, in order to entertain the public. Animals also participate in these performances or not.
k) A travelling variety company with a diverse program is a group of people which carries out, on a permanent or temporary basis, various sequences of entertaining programmes, performances, small comical theatrical events, songs, dancing with various content and in which animals participate or not.
l) The competent authorities in charge of the Online Registration Database for companion animals and their owners are the authorities that ensure the correct implementation, functioning and surveillance of the entire system that consists of the electronic identification (micro chipping) and registration system for companion animals and their owners.
m) The Competent Authorities in charge of the Implementation and Monitoring of animal protection rules and of the (online) system as well as the registration process of companion animals and their owners are the authorities which, at District, Regional and Local (municipalities) level are responsible for the correct implementation and application of the Online Registration Database system for companion animals and their owners − in collaboration with the authorities of previous case (l) – as well as for the imposition of sanctions in case of non-compliance with regulations regarding animal protection.
n) Competent bodies that can certify/acknowledge infringements of the law are the institutions responsible for the acknowledgement of such infringements, discovered during the exercise of their monitoring duties (Municipal police, Special police for hunting clubs, employees of the Customs and Veterinary Health Inspection Stations)
o) The Competent Body responsible to carry out the electronic identification (microchipping) and registration process for companion animals and their owners on the Online Electronic Database is the veterinarian who, based on the procedure foreseen, by submitting an online request to the Directorate of Informatics of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, is certified, acquires a special password for the online Electronic Database for the identification and registration of companion animals, he carries out the electronic identification process and registers the animals in question and their owners in the online Electronic Database, issues the health booklet or passport of the animal, in case the animal is to be transferred abroad, and updates the database with the necessary information.
1. Competent authority for the protection of animals and in charge to ensure compliance with the law regarding their welfare is the Directorate of Veterinary Affairs (KAFE) of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. Competent authorities responsible for the management of the online Electronic Database for the registration of companion animals and their owners are the following:
- the Directorate of Veterinary Affairs (KAFE), which belongs to the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and
- the Directorate ‘’Informatics’’ of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food
2. Competent authorities in charge of the implementation and enforcement of animal welfare law and of the identification and registration system for companion animals and their owners are the Veterinary Directorates of the Directorate-General ‘’Regional Agricultural Economy’’, the Directorates of Rural Economy and regional Veterinary Units in the country as well as the Veterinary Services of the Municipalities and where these do not exist the offices of Agricultural Development of the corresponding Municipality.
3. Competent Body responsible for the implementation of the identification and registration process for companion animals and their owners on the online Electronic Database is the veterinarian, who is certified by the legal process referred to in article 4 of this law.
1. In order to implement the present law the Competent Authorities which are responsible for the Management of the Online Electronic Database for the registration of companion animals and their owners of article 2 of this law, have the following duties:
A. The Directorate of Veterinary Perception of Medicines and applications (KAFE) of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food:
a) to suggest the issuance of ministerial decisions, referred to in this law,
b) to issue circulars aiming to implement the electronic microchiping and registration of companion animals and their owners for every topic that concerns companion animals
c) in collaboration with the Directorate of Informatics of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food: AA) to control of the operation of the online electronic database, in which the various microchipping data of the companion animals and their owners BB) the enrichment of the online Electronic Registration Database of companion animals and their owners with the necessary information and to constant upgrade/update and CC) the granting of access codes to veterinarians, certified through the legal process.
B. the Directorate of Informatics of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food
a. to provide the necessary hardware/software infrastructure (central/host computers, network etc.) for the operation of the central online electronic database in which the microchiping data of the various companion animals and their owners are registered as well as the supply of detectors of the electronic instruments used for microchipping, foreseen in article 4 paragraph (4).
b. to ensure the constant functioning, the technical support, maintenance and protection of the electronic infrastructure, which supports the system.
c. has the obligation to backup data for security reasons, so that the elements recorded on the database are available for inspection for a period of at least three (3) years.
2. In order to implement this law the Competent Authorities of Application and Control of the microchiping and registration system for companion animals and their owners, of article 2(2) (shall) have the following responsibilities:
a. the cooperation with the Entity/body Implementing the michrochiping and registration of companion animals, in order to coordinate their actions and for the provision of technical instructions for the complete and homogenous application of the electronic microchipping and registration of companion animals.
b. the control and supervision of the Institution of Implementation of the michrochiping and registration of companion animals.
3. The Entity/body Implementing the microchipping and registration of companion animals and their owners, of article 2, paragraph 3, have the following duties:
a. to carry out the microchipping of companion animals with the use of appropriate means of electronic microchipping and registration of the date microchipping of the companion animals and their owners has taken place on the online Electronic Database and their constant update.
b. The responsibility to update/inform the animal owners and holders, with whichever appropriate way, for their obligations regarding the implementation/application of the electronic microchipping of companion animals and regarding the requirements of the present law regarding microchipping and registration of companion animals.
c. The issuing of a health booklet or pet passport after the animal is microchipped according to annexes 2 and 3, if the animal will be taken abroad, as well as the note of any change of owner, free of charge, during the Veterinary examination of the animal or during its vaccination.
Online Electronic Database for the electronic identification and registration of companion animals and their owners – Micro chipping, health book or passport
1. In the Directorate of Informatics of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food an Online Electronic Database for the identificaion and registration of companion animals and their owners is being created. In the online Electronic Database data referring to the recognition of companion animals (such as color, breed, sex, loss, delivery to another owner, death) are indexed by certified vets as well data referring to the recognition of their owner (such as name, address, telephone number and identity or passport or other equivalent document, such as driver’s license or insurance booklet), as the provisions ‘on personal data’ must be kept explicitly. Certification of veterinarians is achieved by submitting an electronic application to the Directorate of Informatics of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food and by the provision of an access code to the online Electronic Database to the applicant veterinarian. The Online Electronic Database is connected directly with the veterinary offices and in general with all locations where microchipping of companion animals is carried out. Certification of veterinarians from Directorates of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary practice of Regional Areas of the country is compulsory. In the online Electronic Database logical parameters correlating the number of animals per owner are introduced, to ensure animal welfare and compliance with basic sanitary rules.
2. the same requirements with regard to electronic microchipping and registration of data process for companion animals apply for electronic microchipping and registration of stray (not owned) companion animals.
3. a. Microchipping of each companion animal is mandatory, with the exception of dogs used as guardians of flocks, for which is it considered optional, under the condition that they do not participate in genetic improvement programs in order to improve and stabilise certain breeds. The costs of microchipping and registering of owned companion animals shall be borne by their owner and that of stray companion animals by the corresponding municipality or the animal welfare group or interfering body, which can/may purchase the electronic means for michrochipping directly from the market.
In the case of sensitive social groups ((AMEA) – PEOPLE with DISABILITIES – with a percentage of disability greater than or equal to 80%, large families, people with 3 children, single parents, the unemployed registered in the registers of the O.A.E.D., those who live out of the welfare allowance), companion animals owners bear only the costs of the electronic appliance used in microchipping and the remaining services are offered free of charge, when microchipping is carried out at a veterinary office or in special dispensaries at the municipalities, the inter-municipal centres and the Directorates of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary pracice at Regional Sections of the country.
For the realization of the electronic microchipping or the issuing of a health booklet or passport the owner of the owned animal is obliged to demonstrate to the veterinarian, who has been certified, his identity card or passport, or any other equivalent document, in order to confirm his personal data and so that the unique code of the microchipped companion animal becomes interlinked to elements to the animal owner’s metadata. The certified veterinarian shall provide to the owner of the animal, with no charge, certificate of registration and microchipping, based on the model of the annex 1, with the microchip number of the animal, its characteristics (gender, color, breed) and owner’s information (name, address, and telephone number and passport number or other official document).
b. The O.T.A. (Organisation of Municipalities and Local Authorities), in order to ensure the sustainability and correct operation of its infrastructure, which is related to the stray and owned animals’ management stray animals, may impose, upon a decision of the Council, contributory asset value, which cannot exceed the amount of three (3) euro, per microchipped animal. The aforementioned asset value is received and within thirty (30) days it is attributed to the closest OTA by the veterinarian who performed the microchipping and registration of the animal in the Online Database of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food providing also to the OTA by the veterinarian, copies of certified electronic identification.
4. The microchipping and identification of each animal is carried out with the positioning to the left side of the animal’s neck a system of electronic identification of the animal (transponder), which is a passive device of recognition of radio frequency read-only, in accordance with the prototype ISO 11784 and technology HDX or FDX-B and it can be read from a compliant reader compatible with prototype ISO 11785 and is recorded in the online Electronic Database for microchipping and registration of companion animals and their owners. The providers of the electronic means of microchipping, wholesale or retail are obliged to provide to the Greek market electronic means of microchipping according to the aforementioned requirements and instructions in the Greek language.
5. Electronic michrochipping and registration, the issuing of a passport or health booklet, in accordance with the examples of annex 2 and 3 are carried out by veterinarians who are certified to work legally in Greece, in veterinary offices or specially designated locations of cross-municipal centres, Directorates of Rural Economy and Veterinary of the Regions of the country as well as the animal protection groups. A health book is not required, if the companion animal in question already has a passport.
In case the microchipping of owned animals takes place at a veterinary office or a place which belongs to the OTA or out of cooperation with OTA, the owner of the animal apart from the cost for the electronic microchipping may have additional costs for the provision of microchipping services, which may be imposed, when determined by decision of the relevant OTA
6. The veterinarians who perform the electronic microchipping of owned companion animals, are obliged to check the functionality of the means of electronic microchipping and to use the instruments, which meet the requirements of paragraph 4. In case of a complaint because of use of means of electronic microchipping which do not comply with paragraph 4, the persons who possesses or uses these applications are obliged to provide full evidence to comply with paragraph 4, to the competent authorities (for control) and application of the system of article 2.
7. The owner of any pet animal is obliged to inform the veterinarian, who is certified to be responsible for the modification of the data recorded on the database and concern either him (such as name, address, phone ID number or passport number or other equivalent document) either the companion animals as such, which has declared its name (such as death, loss, delivery to another owner), at the latest within 15 days after the change with the aim to update the information of the Electronic database. In every case of necessary change of owner, it is necessary to note it down to the health booklet or animal passport, free of charge, during the annual veterinary examination of the animal or its vaccination, that that the electronic database is updated.
8. The completion of the data in the health booklet of the animal or passport is carried out in manuscript (handwritten) or through the application of the Electronic database. The sole code of electronic microchipping of the companion animal in question, is written down in its health booklet or passport, in manuscript or via the identification label.
9. In order to identify the owners of companion animals that are microchipped for the control of the health booklet or passport and in general the application of the present article the services of the Municipal Police, the Hunting Control Authority of the hunting associations and the officers of Customs and Veterinary Health Control stations (SYKE) are supplied with necessary / appropriate detectors, whose market expenditure is borne by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
10. Not later than one month after the publication of this law, the Pan-hellenic Veterinary Association, is obliged to deliver in electronic form, compatible with the Online Electronic database, the data of owners and microchip codes of companion animals, which the vet has begun recording prior to the date the present law came into force, while constantly maintain access to the aforementioned database through a designated password. Moreover, an access code is also provided to the OTA so that they too can have control over owned or stray animals within their administrative boundaries.
11. The Online Electronic database for microchipping and registering of companion animals and their owners will start to function one month after the date of publication of the present law in the Journal of the Government.
12. By decision of the Minister of Rural Development and Food the terms upon which the electronic database was created in particular regarding issues relating to the certification process and provision of a password to the parties responsible to carry out microchipping and registration of animals and their owners in the electronic online database, as well as any other matter concerning the organisation and functioning of the database.
Responsibilities of a companion animal’s Owner
1. The owner of a companion animal is obliged:
a) to arrange that the animal is microchipped and registered, and to see to it that its health booklet is also published before the animal abandons its place of birth and definitely within a period of two months after its birth, or within one month after its founding or its adoption, as well as for the placement of a metal tag, provided every year by the veterinarians during the animal’s annual vaccination against rabies, on a visible place on the animal’s collar.
b) to declare within five days the loss of the animal to a veterinarian who has been certified to access the online Electronic Database for Microchipping and Registration of companion animals and their owners.
c) to follow the rules that enhance the animal’s welfare and to care for its veterinary examination, which is proven by the vet’s notes in the animal’s health booklet or its passport, as well as to ensure the animal has comfortable, healthy and suitable accommodation, accustomed to its natural way of living, allowing it to be able to stand in a natural upright way, without hampering its natural movements and its ability to exercise as much as it is necessary to maintain its health and welfare.
d) to always have with him the animal’s passport if you are travelling with your animal abroad, which must be in conformity with the Annexes 2 and 3,
e) to not abandon his animal, while in case he wishes to leave it he must inform the competent Office of the municipality of his place of residence about his intention, to hand the animal in to the competent office, and to obtain from a certified veterinarian a copy of the modified status of its registration on the Online Electronic database for microchipping and registration of companion animals, where the municipality will be considered / noted as the temporary owner of the currently stray animal.
f) to ensure the immediate cleaning of the animal’s faeces of the animal, except in the case of assistance dogs
g) to ensure that the animal is sterilized, if he does not want to keep the newborn animals, or may not be able to find new owners for them.
2. The owner of the pet is liable for any damage or loss caused by the animal, in accordance with article 924 of the (Civil Code- Astikos Kodikas). For stray animals, other than those referred to in paragraph 5 of article 9, the responsibility shall be borne by the Municipality concerned.
3. Especially the dog owner: a) shall see to it that his dog is always accompanied when walked b) must take the appropriate measures to prevent his dog from leaving his property and entering into another property or in public spaces.
4. The owner of a hunting dog, either during hunting or during any other outing together with the dog for the aforementioned purpose, is required to carry with him an up-to-date health book or passport of the dog. The obligations of 1st and 2nd case in the preceding paragraph shall not apply to assistance dogs, as well as for dogs used for guarding flocks, hunting dogs and search and rescue dogs during the guarding of the herd, hunting, training and search and rescue, respectively.
5. The hunting license is removed from every hunter whose dog, used in hunting, is not microchipped in accordance with subparagraph I of paragraph 1 and whose microchip number has not been registered in handwritten form or with an identification tag in its health booklet or passport, until the animal is microchipped. The means of transport used in this case, must be appropriate with adequate space, lighting and airing and to satisfy the physiological needs of the animal.
6. Apart from the areas designated in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 57 of the n. 2637/1998 ‘’Recommendation for Accounts Certification Agency, Paying Agency and control of Community Aid Orientation and Guarantee, Certification and Supervision Agency of agricultural products, Directorate-General and positions of staff in the Ministry of Agriculture and « Rural Land Development Company » S.a. Ucc and other provisions» (first 200), in hunting areas under supervision it is allowed to set only limited workout space for dogs and skill competitions for hunting dogs may take place according to the terms and conditions laid down, in both cases, by joint decision of the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change and Minister of Rural Development and Food.
7. After 30 days from the publication of this law have passed, the publication of any notice/advertisement regarding sale, adoption, or donation of companion animals without mention of the animal’s microchip number is prohibited in any kind of printed material, flyers, posters, or websites”.
8. a. It is forbidden to import companion animals in Greece that have not been micro-chipped. The microchip data of imported animals (microchip code and name of importer), from countries outside the EU are recorded at points of entry into Greece and the online electronic database of the Ministry of Rural development and food is directly updated.
- Removal of the microchip device from the owner or any other person or vet from the companion animal is forbidden (in order to avoid the phenomenon of abandonment of the animal).
Rearing, breeding and marketing of companion animals
1. Any natural or legal person or Association of persons involved in rearing, breeding or selling of companion animals for commercial purposes must be equipped with a corresponding permit allowing its establishment and operation, issued by the Directorate General of Regional agricultural economy and Veterinary Practice of the immediate Region, in which his residence or seat is located, must be subject to the surveillance of the aforementioned authority and to comply with the conditions laid down in presidential decree 184/1996. For the granting of authorisation for rearing, breeding and marketing of companion animals, the rules on welfare, safety rules, the rules providing adequate veterinary perception on the animals and the provisions of s. 604/1977 and s.p. 4 must be complied with. The dogs and cats that are bred reared, or the ones destined to be sold have a health book or passport, must be microchipped and registered in the online Electronic Database referred to in article 4. Within spaces built for rearing, breeding or marketing of the animals must comply with all the rules on welfare, security and provide adequate veterinary care. When more than two female dogs used for breeding are bred, or more than two births per year take place among dogs used for breeding, compulsory licensing is required for reproduction, breeding and marketing of companion animals. For every female breeding dog records must be kept. Female breeding dogs should not be not be reproduced before the second reproductive cycle and never before a period of nine months after the last date of birth. Reproduction is also prohibited after the 9th year of the age of the animal.
2. It is not allowed to select for breeding purposes companion animals whose anatomical and physiological characteristics or attributes of behaviour may, depending on the species and breed, be proven harmful for the health and well-being of the female breeding dog and its descendants. The determination of harmful characteristics is done by decision of the Minister of Rural Development and Food.
3. The sale of companion animals less than eight (8) weeks old is not allowed.
4. Authorization for breeding, reproduction and marketing of companion animals, as well as authorization for dog training (license as dog instructor) is decided by decision of the Minister for rural development and food and any other competent Minister regarding the specific terms and conditions which must be met by the breeding spaces, as regards facilities, living quarters or subsistence animal welfare conditions and the equipment needed, per animal species, the competent supervisory authority, the control mechanism and sanction system, as well as any other relevant matter.
5. Upon the sale of an animal, the “Declaration of purchase of an animal by a new owner’ is signed between the seller and the buyer/new owner, according to the model of ‘Declaration of purchase of an animal’ of annex 5.
Organisation of exhibitions with companion animals
- Any natural or legal person or Association of persons which organises exhibitions with companion animals must possess a relevant authorization which is issued by the competent Veterinary Services of the …. Municipality and where this has not been established by the Office of Agricultural Development of the municipality.
- During the exhibition pets must be under the direct supervision of the owner, keeper or escort, which must not cause fear or pain. Companion animals which manifest aggressive behavior towards other animals or humans, are required to wear a muzzle or must be removed from the exhibition. The presence of a veterinarian is compulsory throughout the duration of the exhibition.
- Companion animals which participate in exhibitions must be microchipped and registered and their escorts must carry their health booklet or the health passport with them, showing that they are vaccinated and have undergone recent external and internal deworming.
- It is prohibited for mutilated animals to participate in any kind of exhibition.
Keeping companion animals at home
- It is allowed to keep (owned) companion animals in every home. In apartment buildings, consisting of two apartments and more, the keeping of companion animals is allowed in every apartment provided that they:
a) reside in the same compartment as the owner, b) do not remain permanently on the verandas or the open spaces of the apartment c) their stay in the apartments of the apartment building is subject to compliance with the rules on welfare, health and police regulations on public nuisance and d) they are electronically microchipped, registered and have a health book.
The keeping of companion animals cannot be prohibited because of the apartment building’s regulation, if the aforementioned conditions are respected. According to the same regulation the maximum number of animals permitted in each apartment may be limited to two (2) animals.
2. It is allowed to keep companion animals which have been microchipped and registered legally and carry a health book in houses/residences on the condition that the rules of good treatment and animal welfare are complied with, as well as the current sanitary provisions and police regulations on public nuisance.
3. It shall be prohibited to maintain and keep companion animals in public spaces of an apartment building. However, it is allowed to keep them in the front entrance area (piloti), on the roof, in the akalypto horo, in the garden, as long as a unanimous decision of the General Assembly supports this.
4. The aforementioned arithmetic constraints apply only to dogs and cats. Regarding other pets, the conditions set out in paragraph 2 must be complied with.
Gathering and management of stray companion animals
1. The Municipalities are obliged to care for the collection and management of stray companion animals, in accordance with this article. This competence may be exercised also by coalitions of municipalities, as well as by animal welfare associations and groups in collaboration with the competent Municipality, as long as they have the infrastructure, consisting of the existence of adequate installations or vehicles intended to carry the animals and human resources with experience in animal handling. By decision of the Minister for rural development and food the type and the number of installations and vehicles is set/determined as well as the experience the human resources, the animal welfare associations and groups, must possess to be able to perform of the responsibilities of this paragraph.
2. For the aforementioned purpose each Municipality or neighbouring or cooperating Municipalities establish and operate municipal or cross-municipal dispensaries of veterinary medicine and shelters for stray companion animals stray animals, allowing cooperation with animal welfare groups and associations interested to join, as well as volunteers who care about animals, in private or commissioned or assigned from the public sector. Municipalities may also receive financial assistance from public or private bodies in order to facilitate the establishment and operation of shelters. Shelters of stray companion animals are places of temporary residence and care of the animals and their establishment and functioning shall be governed by the provisions regarding accommodations for animals n. 604/1977 and presidential decree 463/1978. Checking compliance with the conditions of their operation is exercised by the competent Regional Directorate-General of agriculture and veterinary medicine, in accordance with article 12 of 604/1977. The administrative fines foreseen by paragraph 2 of the same article vary accordingly from 1,000 to 10,000 Euros. Under the supervision of the Municipalities shelters or dispensaries of veterinary medicine for stray companion animals may be established and operate, and from animal welfare groups and associations, which have the appropriate veterinary personnel (1 veterinarian per 50 animals), the technical infrastructure, the facilities and the equipment needed, in accordance with the provisions of s. 604/1977 and presidential decree 463/1978.
3. for the collection of stray companion animals teams of trained and experienced people in capturing companion animals are formed, who are driven and supervised in their work by a veterinarian, as designated by the competent Veterinary services of the municipality and, wherever this has not been established, by the Office of Agricultural Development of the corresponding Municipality or by the Directorate of Agriculture Economy and Veterinary medicine of the Regional Section.
4. stray companion animals that are collected, are transported in parts to existing shelters for stray companion animals, municipal dispensaries of veterinary medicine, or in exceptional cases to private dispensaries of veterinary medicine, with appropriate infrastructure, and they can accommodate them temporarily and for a reasonable period until their recovery, they are subjected to veterinary examination, are sterilised, microchipped as stray companion animals and are registered ion the online electronic database. If the Veterinary examination shows that they are injured or suffering from curable disease, they are submitted to appropriate medical treatment.
If the animals are found to be dangerous or that they suffer from an incurable disease or that are completely incapable to keep themselves alive due to old age or because of invalidity, and to keep them alive is contrary to the rules of their welfare and the animal welfare groups of the area deny to take them under their care, supervision and handle their adoption, then those animals are euthanised.
5. Stray companion animals when collected and it is confirmed by the number of their microchip that they have an owner, who has declared or neglected to declare their absence, are returned to him.
6. When stray companion animals are collected and found to be healthy or have become healthy again after a certain treatment, as well as those coming by tradition from their owner thereof may be adopted by adults or by animal welfare associations which operate legally.
7. In any event, companion animals which are adopted are directly microchipped and registered on the online Electronic Database with complete details of the provisional and the definitive owner, and subjected to external and internal deworming and vaccination. When an animal is given for adoption, the “Declaration of Adoption of the animal by a new owner’’ is signed between the Manager of the sanctuary or animal welfare group and the new owner, in accordance with the model ‘ Declaration of animal Adoption’ of Annex 4.
8. When a stray companion animal is adopted by a new owner who is not a permanent Greek resident, the animal is delivered directly to the new owner provided that the animal has been neutered, microchipped and registered in the online electronic database with complete details of the holder which are confirmed/proven by an official document of the holder. It is forbidden to maintain and keep these animals in shelters outside Greece.
9. Companion animals under the age of five (5) months, which have not been adopted provisionally remain in animal shelters, run by the Municipalities or the local cross-municipal centers and the animal welfare groups / bodies and associations collaborating with them, until the animals become five (5) months old, and receive the necessary veterinary care. Companion animals which are adopted and in accordance with veterinarian’s judgement are deemed healthy, they are directly reintegrated into their own environment, within the administrative boundaries of the municipality in the area of which they were taken in, after it is checked that they are microchipped and that they were submitted to de-worming, vaccination and neutering.
10. When stray animals are reintegrated into their natural environment the density of the stray animals’ population of the area in which they are placed is taken into account beforehand. The Municipalities together with the animal welfare groups/bodies and associations collaborating with them, bear the responsibility to supervise and care for the reintegrated stray animals. In order to do that they may also create feed and water supply points for these animals. Reintegration of strays is not allowed in areas with hospitals, schools, sports centres, motorways, expressways, ports, airports and archaeological sites.- The decision of the five members Chamber Committee of paragraph 12 of this article regulates the procedures determining the density of the stray animals population in the area where the animals are placed/ reintegrated, as well as the delimitation of areas which may not be used for this purpose.
11. The sterilization/neutering of stray companion animals, as well as their microchipping and registration are carried out free of charge by volunteers and foreign experts who fulfill all necessary conditions in order to be able to legally pursue the profession of veterinary surgeon in Greece, in accordance with EU and national legislation. The neutering can also take place in mobile facilities, appropriate for veterinary use. Mobile veterinary facilities are authorised by the competent Veterinary services of the Municipality, and where this has not been issued by the Office of Agricultural Development of the relevant Municipality, where the veterinarians will be working in, if the requirements laid down in the Decree of the Ministry of rural development and food, issued in accordance with the arrangements issued in paragraph 13, are fulfilled. The foreign volunteer veterinarians in order to perform neutering of stray animals, can also use the facilities of the offices of the Directorates, Departments and the competent Veterinary Services of the region, the Regional section or the municipality, as long as there are spaces available, under the supervision of a certified veterinarian. These facilities are offered for a specified period of time, with the prior notification of a month and the approval from the heads of the relevant services.
12. In each Municipality a five member Monitoring Committee is established by decision of the Mayor, which is put together in order to monitor the programme of stray animals management, two members of which are appointed by the most representative animal welfare groups and associations which are located in the municipality or in the relevant Regional section. The Commttee admitted a compulsory (1) veterinarian and one (1) representative of a hunting Club located in the municipality or the relevant Regional section. The aforementioned Committee decides on the hazard of a companion animal, according to the definition in paragraph 6 of article 1 of the present law, and addresses the problems arising from the management of stray animals. The Municipalities, regional sections and Regions create a network of information for the citizens on the animals available for adoption.
14. In accordance with the presidential decree issued upon the proposal of the Ministers of Finance, Interior and Rural Development and Food:
a) the terms and conditions for the granting of an operating license to establish sanctuaries/refuges for stray companion animals, provided for in law 604/1977 and presidential decree 463/1978, to the municipalities from the Region, may be modified, new or additional terms and conditions for the operation of shelters may also be established, as well as the time needed for adaptation of the already operating shelters for stray companion animals and
b) the municipality, Municipal associations, which are granted for the establishment and operation of a shelter, are determined, the level, the process and the prerequisites of funding for the aid and any other relevant matter.
Movement and Transport of pet animals
1. the movement and transport of pet animals is governed by the provisions of Regulation (EC) No 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of the 26th May 2003 ” on the animal-health requirements applicable to non-commercial movement of companion animals and on the amendment of the Council Directive 92/65/EEC’’ of Regulation (EU) 388/2010 of the European Commission of the 6th May 2010 of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22nd December 2004 ‘’on the protection of animals during transport’’, as well as by the provisions of presidential decree 184/1996 (A’ 137).
2. With regard to more favourable rules of the Traffic and Circulation Code (K.O.K) and of Public Transportion, the transport of small companion animals is allowed in all road, rail and fixed rail means of public transport, as well as in taxis and passenger ships, as long as the animals are placed in secure transport cages and accompanied by the owner or possessor. Guide dogs can be transported without a transport cage and regardless of their size as long as they bear a muzzle and leash.
3. Passenger ships must have clean cages, protected from adverse weather conditions, for the transport of large pets.
4. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply during the movement or transport, carried out by teams responsible for the gathering of stray animals and the teams of animal transport of article 9 to and from the dispensaries of veterinary medicine, the veterinary clinics and shelters within the country’s territory
Prevention of access of companion animals to waste and gathering of dead animals
1. The operators of slaughterhouses, butchers, hospitals, army camps, food disposal shops catering facilities and general health sites of interest are obliged to take appropriate measures to prevent the access of stray animals to the waste of their establishments.
2. The services which, in accordance with the relevant provisions are responsible for the cleanliness of roads, of national provincial and urban network, are directly obliged to remove dead animals from the streets and sidewalks and to ensure that their incineration or landfill is carried out, according to national and Community provisions. Incineration stations for companion animals are established and operated by Municipalities and Joined Municipalities.
3. The Presidential Decree, issued on the proposal of the Ministers of the Interior, Health and Social Solidarity and Rural Development and Food, lays down the appropriate measures and obligations of the operators referred to in paragraph 1 in order to achieve the prevention of access of companion animals to waste and of services of competent bodies referred to in paragraph 2 and for the gathering of dead animals. The disposal of dead companion animals (incineration, landfill, etc.) is carried out in accordance with the applicable national and Community law.
Ban of use of any animal to every kind of entertaining shows, events and other relevant activities
1. It is prohibited to retain any kind of animal in the circus or in a circus with a varied program, if these animals are used in any way and for any purpose in their programme, they take part in shows, or parades, or appear in front of the public.
2. It shall be prohibited to retain any kind of animal in recreational games, car racing platforms, musical concerts, exhibitions, fairs or other artistic or entertaining festivities/events, where animals are used in whatever way for whichever purpose in their programme.
3. Fish rearing, education/training and use of animals for any kind of fights shall be prohibited as well as the rearing and use of dogs and cats for fur, skin or meat for the manufacture of medicinal or other substances.
1. Out of the prohibitions laid down in article 12, paragraphs 1 and 2, the following institutions are excluded: legally operating zoos, aquariums, pet shops, care centers of species of wild fauna and game breeding facilities, governed by special provisions, provided that no shows involving animals are taking place in the aforementioned locations.
2. The provisions of article 12 (shall) apply taking into account article 7, as well as taking into account special provisions relating to racing horse and horse racing.
Competent authority responsible for the application of article 12 is the Organization of Local Self-Government, which issues the authorization/business licenses or carrying out of performance/event in accordance with article 81 of n. 3463/2006.
1. In cases where for-profit, entertainment or artistic performances, music, theatre or other related art or other artistic or recreational events or programs from the ones mentioned in Article 12, a special license is required; the license applicant must submit to the authority competent to issue the permit and affirmation of Law 1599/1986 that he doesn’t keep animals on the premises for use in any way in the program or event without prejudice to the exceptions listed in Article 13.
2. The competent authority of Article 14 has the right to make spot checks at the site of the company at any time before or after the issuance of the permit, in order to determine whether the provisions of this law are fulfilled. During the audit, the authority may request the assistance of the police, if necessary. The company is obliged to assist the authority in the course of the audit. In case of refusal to assist the authority, the operating license is not granted or, if it is already granted, it is revoked.
3. The authority of Article 14 is responsible for receiving and examining complaints of others, individuals or associations, concerning infringements of the provisions of Article 12 of the present law. In case of a complaint the authority is obliged to make spot check at the site
during the next business day at the latest.
- With prejudice to cases especially foreseen within the existing EU and national legislation, and the provision of the third sentence of paragraph 4 of Article 9 the following acts are prohibited: torture, abuse, poor and brutal treatment of any animal species, and any act of violence against him, such as especially poisoning, hanging, the drowning, burning, crushing and amputation. The neutering of the animal and any veterinary
act with a therapeutic aim, is not considered amputation of the animal.
- It is prohibited, except in films and in general audiovisual material with an educational purpose, the sale, marketing and exhibition – online circulation of audiovisual material, such as videos or other type of film or photographic material that shows any act of violence against animals, as well as sexual intercourse between animals or between animals and humans for profit or sexual gratification of people who attend or participate in them. This prohibition includes the case of dueling between animals.
- If a pet injured in a traffic accident, the perpetrator of this act is obliged to immediately notify the relevant municipality, in order to provide to the injured animal the necessary veterinary care.
Development and implementation of programs aiming to prevent and control/cure zoonoses
1. The prevention and treatment of diseases transmitted from animals to humans or to other animals of the same or to another species, is carried out through specific programs, compiled by the General Directorate of Veterinary Affairs of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food and are implemented by the veterinary
services of the local government.
2. If rabies occurs in an animal, the General Directorate of Veterinary Affairs may take additional steps either in a particular region of the country or across the Territory other than those provided by the provisions of Laws 1197/1981 and 2017/1992.
3. By decision of the Minister of Agricultural Development and Food the veterinary health rules and conditions relating to the prevention of risk of invasion or escape to the country of epizootic diseases are determined.
Education, training, promotion of animal welfare
1. The competent authorities of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food in cooperation with other bodies/agencies ensure: a) to organize training seminars and to promote from the media, informative and educational programs of individuals who are owners or possess a companion animal and people engaged in farming, education, trade and keeping of those animals as well as to inform local communities and groups about the content of the provisions concerning the protection of animals, b) to promote, raise awareness, and develop the idea of animal welfare in kindergartens and schools with events, lectures, screenings, seminars addressing the handling of stray animals and other appropriate educational programs.
2. By joint decision of the Ministers of Finance and Rural Development and Food activities referred to in the preceding paragraphs can be financed and terms and conditions for such funding can be determined accordingly.
Additional provisions regarding animal protection
1. By order of the competent prosecutor the companion or other type of animal of an individual who has breached the provisions of Article 5 paragraph 1 a, b and c and Article 16 is removed temporarily or permanently from him, and the animal is given to the shelter of the relevant municipality or to other animal-friendly company or association interested to take him. If the treatment the animal has undergone was particularly brutal and caused severe pain or fear to it, its removal is permanent. By order the prosecutor may also prohibit the acquisition of another animal to the offender.
2. The competent prosecutor when dealing with a publication or complaint can, with an on-site inspection, verify/assess/ascertain the conditions of a stray animal shelter or farm, and if those are not compatible with the requirements defined in Article 9 and the special provisions governing their operation, he can, with a temporary arrangement, define measures to be taken by the owner of the shelter or kennel, and the period within which the owner to comply with those measures.
1. The illegal trade of companion animals according to the terms of the present law (Article 6, paragraph 1 and Article 10 paragraph 1) is punished with imprisonment of at least
a year and a fine of five thousand (5,000) euros to fifteen thousand (15,000) euros.
2. Violators of the provisions of paragraphs a and b of Article 16 are punishable by imprisonment of at least one year and a fine of five thousand (5,000) to fifteen thousand (15,000) euros.
3. Violators of the provisions of Article 12 are punishable with imprisonment up to two years and a fine of five thousand (5,000) to fifteen thousand (15,000) euros.
4. Violators of the provision of case b of paragraph 8 of Article 5 as well as the theft of any companion animal is punished with imprisonment up to six months and a fine of up to three thousand (3,000) euros, while the theft of a hunting dog or assistance dog is punished with imprisonment up to one year and fine of five thousand (5,000) up to eight thousand (8,000) euros.
5. In the cases described in the preceding paragraphs, the report of acknowledgment of the offense, which is drawn up by a competent authority, is forwarded on the same day to the municipality responsible for the enforcement of the administrative sanctions and fines foreseen.
6. In case of recidivism the fines foreseen in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 are doubled.
Administrative penalties and fines
The administrative penalties and fines imposed for violations of the provisions of this law are listed in the Table below.
Administrative penalties and fines
In case of violation of the provisions of the present law the following fines are imposed:
|Failure to provide the appropriate municipality with a copy of the Certificate of electronic identification||Article 4 par. 3 point b||300 euros|
|Failure to microchip and register a companion animal within the time limit required, or to declare the loss of a companion animal||Article 4 par. 7|
Article 5 par. 1
Point a300 eurosFailure to follow/comply with the rules of ensuring the welfare of the companion animal or to ensure its veterinary examinationArticle 5 par. 1
Point c)300 eurosAbsence of a passport / health booklet of the in case of travel abroad or before the animal leaves its place of birthArticle 5 par. 1
Point d)300 eurosAbandonment of the animal without complying with provisions par.1 point b) and e) of Article 5 and avoidance of sterilization of the animal, without complying with provisions par.1 point g) of Article 5Article 5 par. 1
Point b), e) and g)300 eurosFailure to place metal tag on the animal or failure to clean the environment from the animal’s excretaArticle 5 par. 1
Point a) and f)100 eurosFailure to comply with the rules ensuring a safe walk for the dog, or cause of damage by a dog or failure to take appropriate measures in order to prevent a dog from leaving the property of his master/companion/ guardianArticle 5 par. 2 and 3300 eurosLack of an updated passport or health booklet of a hunting dog during transport of the animalArticle 5 par.4300 eurosPublication of an advertisement concerning companion animals to be given for adoption or free of charge concession/allowance or purchase of such an ad to a newspaper, leaflet or website without mentioning the animals microchip number or the coordinates of the animal welfare group which is promoting the animalArticle 5 par.7300 eurosbillboard an advertisement concerning companion animals to be given for adoption or free of charge concession/allowance or purchase without mentioning the animals microchip number or the coordinates of the animal welfare group which is promoting the animalArticle 5 par 7300 eurosEntrance of a companion animal which is not microchipped to the Greek TerritoryArticle 5 par.8
point a)300 eurosRemoval of microchip device by the owner or another person or the veterinarianArticle 5 par.8
Point b)3.000 euros and removal /confiscation of license to perform the veterinarian professionRearing, breeding or sale of companion animals for marketing reasons without a permitArticle 6 par.13.000 eurosFailure to microchip and register dogs and cats that are being reared, bred or soldArticle 6 par.13.000 eurosSale of companion animal younger than 8 weeks of ageArticle 6 par.31.000 euros per animal soldStay of companion animals destined for breeding, reproduction or sale for marketing reason in unsuitable space/premises, failure to follow animal welfare and safety rules and lack of necessary veterinary careArticle 6 par.12.000 eurosFailure to maintain updated health booklets/ passports for companion animals destined to be bred, reproduced or sold for marketing reasonsArticle 6, par.11.000 euro for the first animal without a passport, with an additional fine of 10% for each of the following onesFailure to maintain records for every female animal used for reproduction/breeding in the breeding premises, which should be open for supervision/control at any momentArticle 6 par.11.000 euro for the first animal, with an additional fine of 10% for each of the following onesImpregnation of female, breeding dogs before their second reproductive cycle takes place, and especially not earlier than 9 months pass after their last labour.Article 6 par.11.000 euro for the first animal, with an additional fine of 10% for each of the following onesOrganisation of exhibitions with companion animals without permitArticle 7 par.15000 euros per day of the exhibitionCausing fear or pain to a companion animal during an exhibition or failure to provide direct supervision of a companion animal during the exhibition or failure to use a muzzle or to provide protection from an animal expressing violent behavior.Article 7 par.21.000 euro per animalFailure to microchip and register a companion animal that participates in an exhibition and participation of a mutilated animalArticle 7 par.3 and 41.000 euro per animalFailure to maintain updated health booklets/passports of animals participating in an exhibitionArticle 7 par.31.000 euro for the first animal, with an additional fine of 10% for each of the following onesa) failure to keep animal welfare rules, provisions regarding health and compliance with rules of maintaining neighborhood peacefulness for companion animals that are kept in residence houses and apartment buildingsArticle 8 par.1 and 2300 euros per animalKeeping and stay of an animal in the common spaces or in the garden of an apparment buildingArticle 8 par.3300 euro per animalMovement or transport of companion animals when violating the provisions of Regulation 998/2003Article 10 par.1500 eurosMovement or transport of more than 5 companion animals which is violating the Penal Code (P.D) 184/1996 and Regulation 1/2005Article 10 par.11000 eurosTransport of a companion animal with a means of public transport without following the rules indicated in Article 10 par.2Article 10 par.2300 euro per animalLack of use of suitable cages in passenger ships in order to transport large companion animalsArticle 10 par.35.000 eurosFailure to take appropriate measures to prevent companion animals to have access to garbage from those responsible in article 11 par.1Article 11 par.1600 eurosKeeping of an animal in a circus or variety show for any purpose or under any context as well as participation in a show or parade or exhibition to the public.Article 12 par.120.000 euros for every animal keptKeeping of an animal in a company as indicated in article 12 par.2 if it is used in whichever way or for whichever reason in the company’s programmeArticle 12. par.210.000 euros for every animal keptKeeping of an animal in an outdoor public exhibition with the aim to obtain financial benefit — for a profitable purpose— in order to make profitArticle 12 par.35.000 euros for every animal used for this purposeBreeding, training and use of an animal in any kind of animal fightArticle 12 par.410.000 euro per animalBreeding or/and use of a dog or cat in order to produce fur, skin, meat or for the manufacturing of pharmaceutical or other substancesArticle 12 par.310.000 euro per animalAbuse, torture, abuse or animal cruelty and any act of violence inflicted upon an animal, the sale, marketing and exposure/circulation via the internet of any type of audiovisual material, in which any act of violence against an animal as well as sexual intercourse between animals or between animal and human for profitable reasons or sexual gratification of those watching or participating in the aboveArticle 16 par.a’ and par.b’30.000 euros per animal and per incidentAbandonment of injured animal after a road accident takes placeArticle 16 par. c300 euros
2a. In the case of paragraph 1 of Article 8, there is recurrence of an offense when the offender does not comply within 10 days from the acknowledgment of the violation.
b. In case of recurrence the above fines are doubled every time, while the business permit of the offenders of Articles 6, 7 and 12 is removed
for a period of one month to one year.
3. Competent bodies responsible for the acknowledgment of breaches
of the present law are the instruments of the Municipal Police, of the Hunters Control Association.
of hunting clubs and the staff of Customs and Stations of Health Veterinary Inspection (BIP). If a Municipality does not have a municipal police department, the acknowledgment of the violations is made by instruments/bodies of another competent department of the municipality.
4. During the finding of the violation/infringement it is acknowledged
on site by the competent body the administrative fine foreseen and a copy of the acknowledgment of the violation/infringement is sent to the Veterinary Service
of the territorially competent municipality and where this has not been
established to the Office of the Agricultural Development of the Municipality
or the Directorate of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary Office
of the relevant Regional Unity, for the imposing of the acknowledged fine.
5. The offender has the right to appear in person or submit a written statement within a document period of five (5) working days to the Head of the Office of the veterinary service of the competent municipality of the area and in case this has not been established, to the Head of the Office of Rural Development of the competent municipality, or the Chief
of the Department of Agricultural Economy and Veterinary ,, Office of the relevant regional unit in order to preput/express his objections. The decision, according to which the objections are examined must be fully justified with reference to specific incidents and data.
6. If no objections are raised or if they are discharged the administrative penalty is confirmed by the Head of the Authority, and the payment is half-done within ten days from the acknowledgment of the offense. If the aforementiond period/deadline expires the Administrative fine is paid to the beneficiary OTA / local government without discount within two (2) months from its acknowledgment
7. Fines to administrative violations, which were not paid within the period of two (2) months, are acknowledged after the passage of this period of two months time within a period of three (3) months from the relevant local government (OTA) the competent DOY of taxation of the offender. The certification/acknowledgement of these fines is done with writing and send out of cash registers, as specified in Article 58 of the Penal Code 16/1989, they are introduced by a special code Number of State Budget Income, and the amounts received, after the expenses of reception are deducted (the net amount), are attributed by four months to the Ministry of Interior matters, which distributes them to the local governments, based on coefficients determined by decision of the Minister of Interior matters, and issued according to a proposal of the Central Union of Municipalities of Greece. These amounts are exclusively granted to improve municipal shelters and veterinary clinics and in order to meet the costs arising from the implementation of this law.
8. In case of repetitive offenses, the competent service which certifies it, defines a reasonable time for it to be lifted, and if the offender does not comply with, a new fine is imposed after the acknowledgement of every new infringement.
9. The specific issues relating to and how the process regarding the fine collection, disposal and re-adjustment of fines as well as any other related topic are defined according to a joint decision of the Ministers of Finance, Interior and Rural Development and Food
Final and transitional provisions
1. The provisions of this law here of shall not affect other provisions of laws or international conventions ratified by law and provide greater protection to which-any kind of animal.
Furthermore, it does not affect the provisions of the “hunting” Law (Legislative Decree 86/1969), as this applies as well as the provisions of this regulation.
2. Wherever the provisions of this law refer to Electronic tagging (microchipping) of companion animals, it is meant to include the microchipping of dogs and cats.
3. Annexes 1 to 5, referring to provisions of this current law, are an integral
part of it.
4. Circus businesses, circus troupes with a
diverse program or other similar companies with similar content which operates occasionally or permanently in Greece and have animals which are to be used in their events or include in their programme shows with any kind of involvement of any kind of animal, must comply with the provisions of this law within seven
months after its entry into force, otherwise the business license is removed and specific administrative and criminal penalties foreseen by the law are imposed.
5. Within two years from the publication of this Law shelters for stray animals are created and operate in every Municipality or adjacent municipalities or cooperating Municipalities.
Upon entry into force of this law the provisions of Articles 1 to 13 of Law 3170/2003 are repealed, except for paragraph 6 of Article 7, as well as any other general or special provision that regulates with a different manner issues of this current law of law or comes into conflict/contradicts (with) its provisions.
1. The third article of law 3495/2006 (A 215) «Ratification of the new revised text of the International Convention of Plant Protection ” is renumbered to Article five.
2. Between the second and fifth articles two articles are inserted, which are as follows:
Official National Organisation for Plant Protection
As the Official national organisation for plant protection for the implementation of the the International Convention for the Protection of Plants of the current law, the Directorate responsible for Crop Production of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food shall be responsinble
In order to implement the International Convention for the Protection of
Plants of the current law, the presidential decree issued after a proposal by the Minister
of Rural Development and Food and the competent minister foreseen for every case, and upon recommendation of the Department responsible for the protection of Crop Production determines/defines:
a) The services and pest control entry points, their responsibilities, the Plant Health auditors and their legal duties, official laboratories for the analysis of official samples
as well as specifications for their operation.
b) The terms and conditions for the implementation of international norms and standards, in accordance with Article X (4) of the International Convention for Plant Protection
c) The fees or dues for those who pay them, the services provided, according to which the benefit payment is done and the process of reimburdement.
d) Any other necessary technical and detailed issue for the implementation of the International Convention of this law. ”
Article 17 of law 2637/3998 as it had been amended, replaced and supplemented with paragraph 5 of Article 24 of Law 2945/2001, paragraph 6 of Article
29 of Law 3147/2003 and paragraph 4 of Article 19 of Law 3170/2003 is replaced as follows:
“1. The Law Office of OPEKEPE conducted by lawyers of Article 23 paragraph b of this law.
2. OPEKEPE offers legal aid from the Special EU Law Office of the Legal State Council which operates at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. The advisory work provided upon interrogation by the Minister of Agriculture and Food on matters of EU law.
3. By decision of the Minister of Agriculture according to a proposal from the President of OPEKEPE, a Joint Committee for legal and technical-legal support is recommended, in order to provide legal assistance:
a) concerning the immediate resolution of issues arising during OPEKEPE’s functioning/operation as a recognised Paying Agency and avoid corrections in financial matters against the Greek Republic, and b) for technical-legal processing of regulatory instruments and conventions. As for the functioning of the Commission the remainder provisions of Article 21 paragraph 2 of Law 4024/2011 (A 226) apply. The corresponding operating Committee is deleted as from 30.9.2011. Any compensation paid from 31.3.2011 to 30.9.2011 will not be searched.
4. In judicial affairs, every current reimbursement of legal costs in favour of OPEKEPE is acknowledged / confirmed by a special code and collected by the competent tax office
and then it is attributed to OPEKEPE.
5. OPEKEPE enjoys all procedural and imperfections of the State in government and regarding its judicial cases, the ‘Code on Trials of the State.
6. Travelling expenses OPEKEPE staff made out of base until the date the current law came into force, do not fall under the scope of paragraph 8 of Article 45 of Law 3943/2011. Hereinafter paragraph 8 of Article 45 of Law 3943/2011 (A 66) will not apply concerning/ in relation to out of base travelling expenses office staff of OPEKEPE has done, related to physical spot checks which, in accordance with EU regulations, OPEKEPE is obliged to conduct.
7. Any other general or special provision in relation to matters governed by the current provision is repealed. ”
Entry into force
The current law apples/comes into force up from the its publication date in the Official Journal of the Greek Government.