ATHENS – The New Democracy government's crackdown on animal abusers isn't working to penalize offenders, critics said, because fines imposed by police are being written down or even canceled by municipalities on appeal

Some of the fines can reach 30,000 euros ($35,755.50) a level that would seem to be a deterrent but animal activists said local mayors don't want to anger voters “over an animal,” even one that's been beaten or abused severely.

The reaction of animal lovers was reported by Kathimerini which said recent data compiled by animal rights groups found that abuse of pets makes up 80 percent of the incident although attacks on strays gets media attention.

“I am horrified that such people are circulating among us, without having suffered any consequences for their actions,” Elizabeth Iliaki who runs the Souda Shelter in Hania on Crete, which has seen several high-profile animal abuse cases in recent months told the paper.

Elena Dede, lawyer and founder of the Dogs’ Voice NGO, said fines should “be disconnected from municipalities and upheld by the tax authorities to ensure their collection.”