animal welfare — The safety of animal welfare volunteers in Cyprus is set to improve as a formal authorisation framework is established following a troubling series of attacks against them. This initiative comes from an agreement between Cyprus Voice for Animals (CVA) and the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Protection, aiming to ensure that those involved in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) work can operate without fear of harassment.
Discussions led by Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, and the Animal Police, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. CVA has indicated that further details regarding the framework will be made public soon.
The urgency for this framework became apparent after CVA suspended its operations due to escalating harassment of its volunteers. Danae Kaza, a CVA representative, noted that the issues began in February when false allegations circulated on social media, claiming that cats were being stolen from outside a supermarket. These unfounded accusations triggered a wave of hostility, with volunteers facing aggressive confrontations from local residents.
Reports of physical attacks began to emerge, with volunteers experiencing everything from verbal abuse to being physically assaulted during TNR activities. Kaza recounted harrowing incidents, including one in which a heavy metal trap was thrown at a volunteer’s head and another where foreign volunteers were surrounded by hostile residents. She expressed the dire need for support, stating, “We can’t risk our lives anymore. Now it’s a matter of life or death.”
Concerns have also been raised about the local police’s response to these incidents. Kaza described an alarming situation where officers allegedly forced two foreign volunteers to release five trapped cats intended for sterilisation, taking them to the police station late at night. This occurred despite the legal backing for TNR work. When Kaza sought police assistance, she was met with confusion regarding the TNR process itself.
In light of these events, CVA reached out to the Ministry of Agriculture, urging for official authorisation for volunteers, clear guidance for police, and recognition of TNR as a legitimate practice. The Ministry responded, confirming receipt of the letter and stating that it was under review by the Veterinary Services. They also condemned the harassment of volunteers and encouraged reporting such incidents to the authorities.
TNR, which involves trapping stray cats, sterilising them, and returning them to their original locations, plays a crucial role in managing stray populations. This method not only alleviates animal suffering but also addresses broader public health concerns.
