paphos shelter — paphos shelter — Activists are rallying to save 2,000 animals as the Paphos Animal Shelter, operational for 40 years, is set to close its doors. This closure poses a dire threat to the safety and future of the animals currently housed at the facility.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
- Kyriacou expressed optimism regarding the upcoming meeting, stating, "It is crucial that we find a solution that ensures the safety of the animals and the continuation of the shelter's work."
Today, a protest unfolded outside the Paphos District Court, where a group of determined volunteers and animal welfare advocates gathered. Their unified message called for immediate action from state and local authorities to prevent what they describe as an impending crisis. The protest was prompted by a recent lawsuit filed against the shelter’s representatives.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Hope has surfaced as discussions are scheduled for next Thursday at the Yeroskipou Municipality, involving representatives from the shelter and the Animal Party Cyprus. This meeting is seen as a potential turning point in finding a solution.
During the protest, participants carried banners and placards, urging public and governmental support to either find a new location for the shelter or to help rescue the animals. Kyriacos Kyriacou, President of the Animal Party Cyprus, who was present at the demonstration, outlined the protestors’ key demands: the suspension of the court order for the shelter’s closure, which was reportedly issued due to nuisance complaints, and the identification of an alternative space for the animals.
Kyriacou expressed optimism regarding the upcoming meeting, stating, “It is crucial that we find a solution that ensures the safety of the animals and the continuation of the shelter’s work.”
Irene Diamantopoulou, a volunteer and education officer at the shelter, highlighted the shelter’s long history, explaining that it has operated on land voluntarily ceded by its owners. However, with the landowners now reclaiming the land, Diamantopoulou said, “We expected some response for the shelter and all the animals to be moved safely.”
The shelter is home to a diverse array of approximately 2,000 animals, including around 150 donkeys and horses. Other residents include dogs, cats, goats, rabbits, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, and even a pony. Each of these animals relies on the shelter for care and support.
