Loukanikos, Greece's famous riot dog, has died. He became internationally famous when he appeared in photos of the sometimes violent demonstrations in Athens.

Loukanikos Greece riot dog
17 February, 2012: Loukanikos stands in front of a line of riot police in front of the Greek parliament building in Athens Getty

Greek media reported that Loukanikos (Greek for sausage) passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 10. He had reportedly retired from attending protests in 2012 due to health problems that a vet said could have been caused by the tear gas used by police at protests.

Contrary to popular belief, Loukanikos wasn't a stray dog. He was taken along to anti-austerity protests by his owner, who told Avgi newspaper: "He was lying on the couch, sleeping, when suddenly his heart stopped beating."

Loukanikos Greece riot dog
8 December, 2010: Loukanikos barks at Greek riot police during a protest in central Athens AFP
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
23 February, 2011: Loukanikos walks through a cloud of tear gas during clashes in Athens AFP
loukanikos
5 October, 2011: Loukanikos barks at a group of riot policemen as they try to avoid a petrol bomb thrown by protesters during a demonstration in Athens Reuters
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
5 May, 2010: Loukanikos stands among protesters throwing stones at police near the parliament in Athens AFP
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
15 June, 2011: Loukanikos barks at a formation of riot police near the Greek parliament in Athens Reuters
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
11 February, 2010: Loukanikos walks in front of leftist protesters holding a banner in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens AFP
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
4 March, 2009: Loukanikos and a protester face riot policemen during a rally in Athens Reuters
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
29 April, 2010: Loukanikos barks at riot police in front of the finance ministry during a demonstration in Athens AFP
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
11 November, 2010: Loukanikos sleeps in front of a line of riot police during an anti-government rally outside the Finance Ministry in Athens Reuters
Loukanikos Greece riot dog
December 10, 2009: Loukanikos sits in the street during a student demonstration in central Athens AFP

In 2011, Time Magazine included the dog in their Person of the Year issue, and American singer/songwriter David Rovics released a song entitled The Riot Dog with an animated video dedicated to Loukanikos.

Related