LOUKANIKOS RIOT DOG R.I.P

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."

8 December, 2010: Loukanikos barks at Greek riot police
 during a protest in central Athens(AFP)

23 February, 2011: Loukanikos walks through a cloud 
of tear gas during clashes in Athens(AFP)

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)

5 May, 2010: Loukanikos stands among protesters throwing stones at police 
near the parliament in Athens(AFP)

15 June, 2011: Loukanikos barks at a formation of riot police 
near the Greek parliament in Athens(Reuters)

11 February, 2010: Loukanikos walks in front of leftist protesters holding
 a banner in front of the Greek Parliament in Athens(AFP)

4 March, 2009: Loukanikos and a protester face riot policemen during a rally 
in Athens (Reuters)

29 April, 2010: Loukanikos barks at riot police in front of the finance ministry 
during a demonstration in Athens(AFP)

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)

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.

By David Sim ibtimes.co.uk