A proposal to grant institutional recognition to guide dogs triggered sharp disagreements on Monday during discussions at the House human rights committee.
- A proposal to grant institutional recognition to guide dogs triggered sharp disagreements on Monday during discussions at the House human rights committee.
- Alongside this, a separate draft law on access rights for assistance dogs is expected to be presented to the House plenum later this week.
The bill, submitted by Ecologist MP Charalambos Theopemptou, seeks to fill what MPs described as a ‘clear legislative gap’, with similar frameworks already in place in at least 20 EU member states.
Alongside this, a separate draft law on access rights for assistance dogs is expected to be presented to the House plenum later this week.
While there was near unanimous approval for the principle of recognising guide dogs, contention arose regarding who would oversee training, certification, and the financial implications for the state. Veterinary services director Christodoulos Pipis noted that existing legislation places responsibility with the interior ministry and local authorities, asserting that veterinary services would not take on responsibilities for companion dogs.
Theopemptou expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a reluctance to assume responsibility. Concerns were raised by the director of a blind school regarding whether local authorities have the necessary personnel to evaluate trainers and monitor the living conditions of guide dogs.
Legal service lawyer Alexis Antoniades warned that the bill must clarify the issue of competence before it moves forward, highlighting that increased administrative costs could raise constitutional concerns.
Theopemptou responded by arguing that the state has long neglected this issue. “Since an effort is being made to fill this gap with a proposed law, the government should help to meet the needs,” he insisted. Akel MP Irene Charalambides, chair of the human rights committee, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the government should have already regulated the matter and should now support the initiative.
Charalambides further proposed that the issue of insurance for guide dogs be examined, recommending that insurance services be consulted in future discussions. Meanwhile, health ministry official Stalo Panayides raised animal welfare concerns, noting that legislation abroad regulates the working lifespan and living conditions of guide dogs.
Panayides called for clearer definitions of guide dog categories to ensure comprehensive coverage for all cases of disability. The transport ministry showed general agreement with the bill but raised potential restrictions for guide dogs on tourist buses and taxis. Deputy director Eleni Pipi suggested the use of muzzles in these instances, a proposal that was rejected by disability organisations and committee members.
Paola Frandji from Kysoa welcomed the bill but insisted that the definition of disability should align with the UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. She highlighted the prohibitive cost of training guide dogs, which she said limits access for many. “We all have the right to free access,” she stated, opposing any suggestions that access could be voluntary for certain venues.
In Cyprus, despite more than 2,000 visually impaired individuals, only five assistance dogs are currently registered. MPs learned that training a guide dog takes approximately two years and costs around €25,000. Christakis Nikolaides, president of the Pancyprian organisation for the blind, noted that similar regulations exist across Europe, while Andreas Fotiades from the blind welfare association raised questions about societal readiness for such legislation and the ongoing care costs associated with guide dogs.
Concerns were also voiced by Pasika president Fanos Leventis, who opposed the mandatory entry of guide dogs into all recreational areas, advocating instead for criteria that allow venues to opt in voluntarily. Frandji dismissed this notion as incompatible with independent living.
In conjunction with Theopemptou’s proposal, a separate bill by Diko MP Christos Senekis aims to establish access rights for assistance dogs in public buildings and transport, which will also head to the plenum. Charalambides remarked that the two bills are complementary, with one enabling prosecutions for denial of access and the other defining state responsibilities.
