The Invisible Killers

In recent days in Kilkis we have been silent witnesses to the execution of an incredibly harsh plan to wipe out the stray dogs in our town. The implementation of this loathsome and inhumane killing of defenceless creatures is nothing more than a slap in the face for the level of culture of our society and our town. The first part of the plan began on May 12 2006 when approximately 15 dogs were poisoned in the district around the Fourth Junior School, a district, that is, in which six-year-old children play alongside the harmless animals. The next act of brutality on the part of the invisible and cowardly killers came on Holy Saint’s Day, June 12th 2006, when quantities of poisoned meat were left both in the park opposite the Town Hall and in 25 Martiou Street, with the result that in the early hours of the same day Kilkis was full of dead and dying animals. A repulsive sight, unworthy of whichever perpetrators were inspired to undertake this cowardly set of killings. The worst part if that among the victims of this brutal act were pet animals, accompanied by their owners, who did not realise that the streets of this town harbour the depravity and savagery of some, in the form of poisoned bait.

The development of a town and the increase in its standard of living is indicated by things going far beyond the formal increase in the size of its population and the explosion in the number of new buildings springing up. Standard of living is judged on qualitative characteristics, such as the existence of areas of greenery, and for sure the image of hate which our town displays towards greenery constitutes an affront to us as townspeople and to those in authority in this town. Similarly, for years the lack of a suitable facility for gathering and accommodating stray dogs is a clear indication of the indifference and irresponsibility of the municipal authorities, who appear to measure progress only in terms of the cubic metres of concrete being used to “beautify” Kilkis. At the same time, the fact that they are incapable of establishing and operating a dog pound is case for reproach for us supposedly active townspeople who have not pressured them sufficiently, who have not placed at the centre of our demands our quality of life, but have simply let the “couldn’t care less” attitude of the town’s officials cast a shadow over everything. However, the display of cruelty and depravity shown to these unfortunate stray animals cannot be representative of the wishes of the majority. Even if the perpetrators of the killings of these animals believe that by acting as brutes they are satisfying some others, the majority, they are sadly misguided. The vileness and cowardly nature of their actions may be a common trait in a few of our fellow townspeople but the majority of the people of Kilkis condemn these shadowy killers and fervently demand that they be tracked down and identified.

For this reason the Kilkis Animal Friendly Society immediately visited the Kilkis Public Prosecutor’s Office to publicly denounce these disgusting killers. The Animal Friendly Society would have expected to have been standing second in line to take this measure behind those in charge of running our town and our area, be it the Mayor or the Prefect, who we would have thought should have already brought a charge against persons unknown. Alas not. And their absence is to the cost of the people of Kilkis, as culture and a standard of living is not just overly expensive parades and fanfares, but it is the daily struggle against subculture and degeneracy. And if these dark killers are not depraved and savage, then who is?

Yours,

Christoforos Toutountzidis