In Cyprus, volunteers are spending hundreds weekly on abandoned dogs as the situation spirals out of control. Animal welfare organisations have declared the stray dog population unmanageable, with many dedicated individuals feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of animals in need of urgent care.
- “If they do not care about animals, let them at least care about public health and citizen safety,” the Federation declared in their letter to relevant authorities.
According to Cyprus Voice for Animals and the Federation of Animal Welfare Organisations, a staggering 99% of dogs found abandoned do not have microchips. This lack of electronic identification, which has been legally required since 2002, hampers efforts to trace owners and enforce laws against abandonment or mistreatment.
“The situation has reached its limits,” the organisations stated, highlighting the emotional and financial strain on volunteers. Each week, they rescue dozens of dogs, many of whom are in dire health, requiring costly treatments while struggling to find suitable homes for adoption.
Abandoned dogs: World Animal Day Highlights the Crisis
On World Animal Day, 4 October, these groups issued a poignant reminder that there was little to celebrate. “Instead of a celebration, we experience daily drama, abandonment, abuse, indifference and absolute institutional silence,” they lamented.
A meeting on 2 October between the Game and Fauna Service and Cyprus Voice for Animals, called by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, sought to address the issue of abandoned dogs. However, the organisations noted that, despite the urgency, most found animals remain unchipped, making it nearly impossible to locate their owners.
Challenges in Implementation of Microchipping Laws
The animal welfare groups proposed that the minister implement a decree mandating the immediate microchipping of all dogs, with a hefty €500 fine for non-compliance. They pointed to the United Kingdom as a successful example where strict microchipping laws significantly reduced the number of strays.
Pantelis Chadjigerou, head of the Game Service, acknowledged the necessity of universal microchipping but indicated that current laws do not empower the Interior Minister to enforce such a decree. However, he noted that all hunting dogs must carry microchips as part of their hunting licences, with a registry of over 40,000 dogs maintained by the service.
Proposed Solutions for Stray Dog Population
Christodoulos Pipis, Director of Veterinary Services, emphasised the need for responsible pet ownership as a critical factor in reducing the stray population. He stated, “Reducing the stray population starts with responsible animal ownership. The owner must ensure the welfare of their pet, microchip it, prevent unwanted births and not abandon it.”
The Ministry of Agriculture has urged local authorities to enforce the Dogs Law fully, aiming to mitigate the influx of new strays and improve the welfare of those already on the streets. Despite existing regulations, enforcement gaps persist, with many authorities lacking the resources or infrastructure needed for effective inspections.
Calls for Urgent Legislative Changes
The organisations have urged authorities to take immediate action, proposing measures such as restarting sterilisation programmes with state subsidies and creating adequate shelters across districts in partnership with animal welfare organisations. They stressed the importance of enhancing the National Dog Registry and integrating it with local authorities for better tracking and enforcement.
“If they do not care about animals, let them at least care about public health and citizen safety,” the Federation declared in their letter to relevant authorities.
Many of the proposed legislative changes, including amendments to the 2002 Dogs Law, have been stalled in Parliament for years. Critical amendments include a shift in mandatory microchipping from six months to two months of age and the establishment of out-of-court settlements for abandonment cases.
The Reality of Stray Dog Overpopulation
Animal welfare organisations have painted a dire picture of the current situation, citing packs of strays roaming residential areas, posing risks to public health and safety. The unchecked population growth of stray dogs has led to increasing cases of abuse and the heartbreaking reality of healthy animals being euthanised due to overcrowding in shelters.
With the integration of databases between the Game and Fauna Service and Veterinary Services anticipated to be completed by the end of October, there is hope for better tracking of dogs and responsible ownership. However, this alone will not solve the pervasive issues facing stray dogs in Cyprus.
