Nearly 1,000 animals face the prospect of returning to the streets of Cyprus as a court-ordered demolition threatens the animal shelter in Kato Paphos, according to the Animal Party Cyprus.
- Nearly 1,000 animals face the prospect of returning to the streets of Cyprus as a court-ordered demolition threatens the animal shelter in Kato Paphos, according to the Animal Party Cyprus.
The demolition order has been issued, but the specific details on how it will be carried out remain unclear. The Animal Party Cyprus has repeatedly addressed the chronic issue of animal welfare in the region, yet a satisfactory resolution for the animals’ future has not been achieved.
Local authorities have found themselves unable to implement Dog Law 184(I)/2002, which mandates the provision of temporary holding facilities for animals. This legal framework was designed to protect abandoned and stray animals, but its enforcement has proven ineffective.
Discussions involving the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, along with local Paphos authorities, have yet to yield any tangible solutions. The dream of establishing a regional shelter that could alleviate the current crisis seems increasingly distant.
In an effort to address the pressing situation, the Animal Party Cyprus plans to convene an urgent meeting in collaboration with Geroskipou Municipality. This meeting will include representatives from the Veterinary Services Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture’s veterinary services, and dedicated volunteers from the shelter. The objective is to explore all possible options for the shelter and come up with an immediate strategy to protect the animals.
The Animal Party Cyprus has described the current predicament as unprecedented for a prosperous nation—one that fails to ensure the welfare of its animals. The situation has garnered international attention, with criticism directed towards the state’s inability to take necessary action.
As the clock ticks down towards the potential closure of the shelter, the future for these animals hangs in the balance. Activists and concerned citizens are rallying for a solution, highlighting the urgent need for effective animal welfare policies that safeguard vulnerable animals.
