The Legality Of The Two-dog Rule In
The legality of the two-dog rule in Limassol is being challenged following comments from the top veterinary official, who stated there is no clear legal framework governing such a restriction. This controversial regulation, which limits households in the Amathus area to owning no more than two dogs, was set to be enforced starting September 1, but the future of this measure now hangs in the balance.
Christodoulos Pippis, director of veterinary services at the agriculture ministry, expressed his uncertainty regarding the legality of the municipal council’s decision. In an interview with the Cyprus Mail, Pippis stated, “There is no clear legal framework in place. To my knowledge, nothing explicitly allows or forbids this measure.” His comments have sparked outrage among residents and animal shelters, many of whom own more than two dogs and are now left unsure of their next steps.
Christodoulos Pippis, Director Of Veterinary Services At
Aggeliki, a mother of three in Ayios Tychonas, voiced her frustration, saying, “Our dogs are not a nuisance. They are part of our family. The idea that we should now give two away is just cruel. It would feel like a death, a great loss for them.” Her sentiments reflect the feelings of many dog owners who have had their pets for years and consider them integral members of their families.
Amathus mayor Kyriakos Xydias, who supported the rule, defended it by citing a significant number of complaints from local residents regarding uncontrolled dog populations in residential areas. He stated, “It is not possible in residential areas to have an uncontrolled number of animals, especially dogs.” Xydias emphasised that the regulation applies solely to dogs, excluding other pets such as cats, which he described as “more independent.”
As the controversy unfolds, concerns about the fate of pets affected by the rule have risen. Vasilis, a retired engineer with three rescued dogs, questioned the rationale behind the rule, asking, “Why should they suffer again because of a vague council rule that isn’t even legal?” Residents have expressed unease over the potential for healthy pets to be surrendered to shelters, exacerbating the stray animal problem.
A group of concerned residents has taken formal action by submitting a complaint to the Cyprus ombudswoman, seeking a review of the rule’s legality in relation to both Cypriot law and EU animal welfare standards. They argue that without transitional measures, the rule could lead to an increase in abandoned pets, further straining local shelters.
Lia Stylianou, a prominent animal welfare advocate, dismissed the regulation as “pointless” and “ineffective,” asserting that limiting the number of pets a person can own will not address the underlying issue of strays. “The stray problem won’t be solved by restricting the number of pets a person can keep at home. How will reducing owned animals help reduce stray ones? It’s absurd,” she stated, advocating for better enforcement of existing laws and improved shelter conditions instead.
While the discussion continues, Pippis reiterated that animal abandonment is prohibited by law and that municipal decisions can be challenged in court. He affirmed, “No one can do whatever they want without following the proper procedures.” Meanwhile, the ombudswoman, Maria Stylianou Lottides, confirmed that her office is currently reviewing the measure, with a report expected in the coming weeks.
Many residents believe the two-dog rule may violate the Dog Law of 2002, which regulates dog registration and public safety but does not impose limits on the number of pets per household. These concerns are compounded by accusations that local authorities have failed to provide adequate services, such as dog waste bins or clean streets, despite collecting fees and taxes from pet owners.
As Limassol grapples with the implications of this contentious regulation, the community awaits clarity on the legal standing of the two-dog rule and its potential impact on families and their beloved pets.
