dog killings — A Paphos municipal councillor has raised serious concerns regarding alleged mass killings of dogs at a private shelter, prompting a police investigation.
- dog killings — A Paphos municipal councillor has raised serious concerns regarding alleged mass killings of dogs at a private shelter, prompting a police investigation.
Kyriakos Savva has taken to social media to voice his allegations that dozens of dogs were illegally euthanised at the shelter. He claims to have uncovered these disturbing details through his own research, which has now led to a formal complaint being filed with the authorities.
Dog killings: Allegations of Illegal Euthanasia
According to Savva, the killings reportedly occurred on at least five separate occasions between late January and mid-February 2026. Key dates include 27 January, 1 February, 7 February, 10 February, and 16 February. Notably, he states that on 16 February alone, as many as 40 dogs were killed.
The incident on 1 February is said to have been witnessed by an eyewitness, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding these actions. Savva’s complaint was lodged with Cyprus Police, the Office of the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, and various political and organised bodies.
Concerns Over Shelter Practices
One of the critical issues highlighted by Savva is whether the euthanasias were conducted lawfully. He questions if the dogs were truly incurable or dangerous, as mandated by law, and whether a registered veterinarian oversaw the procedures. There is also concern about whether proper legal protocols were observed during these actions.
Additionally, Savva has pointed out potential discrepancies regarding the shelter’s claims of being a “no-kill” facility. Reports suggest that some of the alleged killings may have taken place outside of standard working hours, further complicating the situation.
Official Response and Investigation
Assistant Police Director in Paphos, Michalis Nicolaou, confirmed to In-Cyprus that the complaint has been officially registered and that the case is now under the scrutiny of the police’s animal abuse unit. Savva is calling on law enforcement to initiate a thorough criminal investigation into the matter.
Public Appeals and Transparency
In light of these troubling allegations, Savva has urged the Veterinary Services to provide clear and prompt answers to the public. He has also called on relevant authorities to ensure the ongoing protection of the animals still residing at the shelter.
Despite the allegations, Savva encourages the community to continue supporting the shelter by donating food, medical supplies, and other essential resources. He emphasises that the animals depend on this assistance, asserting that his concerns are centred around the need for transparency and accountability from the shelter’s leadership.
