KAS conditionally allows pets in some open-air archaeological sites

Companion animals will not be allowed on the Acropolis Hill in Athens, an ancient citadel located on a rock above the city and one of Greece's most visited ancient sites, but they will be allowed in other prominent open-air archaeological sites under conditions, according to an expert ruling on Thursday.

Under the proposed pilot program, pets will be allowed to enter sites provided they have an updated health certificate, their owners keep them on a leash or in their arms at all times and clean up after them, if the animal defecates, Greece's top advisory body on the protection of antiquities, the Central Archaeological Council (KAS), ruled unanimously at its meeting on Wednesday.

They will not be allowed into vaulted tombs, caves and areas with mosaic floors and wall painting. A majority of KAS members also agreed that animals larger than one meter will have to wear...