Information about and merch celebrating Loukanikos, “sausage”, the most famous of the stray Greek “riot dogs” who joined demonstrations and strikes in Athens in the 2000-2010s.
Loukanikos stood with workers on picket lines, participated in demonstrations, riots and general strikes against austerity, and withstood water cannon, tear gas and police beatings.
As with other riot dogs, like Negro Matapacos in Chile, Loukanikos always sided with protesters and barked at or confronted only the police.
He was present at nearly every outbreak of mass class struggle and social disorder in Athens from the beginnings of the anti-austerity movement, through the 2008 anti-police uprising up until 2012, when he was adopted and retired outside the city. He died peacefully in his sleep on 9 October 2014, aged around 10. Some have speculated that all of the tear gas he inhaled may have contributed to shortening his life.
He was a good boy.
More photos of him in action below. We at WCH have produced some merchandise commemorating his life to help fund our work. Check it out here in our online store.
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