Greeks say stray dogs won’t be euthanized

ATHENS, Greece – Thousands of stray dogs being rounded up before the Olympics are not in danger of being killed or subjected to harsh treatment, Greek officials said Thursday, amid international concern.

“We are very sensitive about this issue,” Deputy Agriculture Minister Alexandros Kontos said. “I am at the disposal of anyone who wants to inspect the conditions under which these animals are being kept.”

Animal rights groups say as many 15,000 dogs could be removed from Athens streets before the Aug. 13-29 Olympics. The government has placed the stray population at less than 5,000.

Stray dogs are a familiar site in Greece and for decades have been allowed to roam free.

The government and Olympic organizers say they are opposed to euthanizing street animals.

On Tuesday, the London-based World Society for the Protection of Animals called on Greek officials to assure strays will not be mistreated.

WSPA spokeswoman Susan Sherwin said the government and the International Olympic Committee hadn’t responded to the organization’s request for details about the mass collection.

“It’s highly dubious that 15,000 dogs are going to be rounded up and kept somewhere and will be released after the Olympics,” Sherwin told the Associated Press, speaking by telephone from Framingham, Mass.