paliometocho dog — paliometocho dog — A consortium of the municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia has applied for funding to upgrade and expand the dog shelter in Paliometocho, marking it as the first licensed project eligible for Cyprus’s €1.5 million animal welfare fund.
The request was submitted to the Veterinary Services on 6 August. Yiannis Ioannou, the deputy director of the services, confirmed that the Paliometocho facility is the only one with a town planning permit, allowing it to seek an operating licence and financial backing. In contrast, an earlier application from Limassol municipalities faced rejection due to incomplete documentation.
To facilitate the approval process, Veterinary Services will establish a three-member committee to inspect the shelter. The approval will depend on the facility meeting legal standards and ensuring accommodation for at least 100 animals.
Paliometocho dog: Phased Approach to Shelter Upgrades
The project at Paliometocho is set to unfold in two phases, as detailed by Strovolos municipality engineer and project coordinator Era Tselepou. The first phase, which is currently under way and expected to conclude by 31 October 2025, encompasses improvements to both indoor and outdoor areas, the construction of new fencing, and the creation of a recreation area for the animals.
Initially, work faced delays due to complications related to the United Nations, as the shelter is positioned within the buffer zone. However, progress resumed after all necessary permits were secured. During the interruption, the animals were temporarily relocated to a boarding facility.
Expanding Capacity for Animal Welfare
The second phase of the project will focus on extending accommodation by adding 28 new cages. Currently, the shelter serves the three municipalities and houses between 60 and 70 animals, often contending with overcrowding issues.
Nationwide Inspections and Compliance
Simultaneously, the Veterinary Services are conducting inspections of animal shelters across Cyprus, following directives from Environment Minister Maria Panayiotou. The initiative aims to close down profit-making shelters that operate without licences.
Ioannou noted that inspections have already been completed in some districts, with final results expected to be released nationwide. Non-profit shelters that assist municipalities with stray management will be evaluated under a separate framework.
