Newsroom
Cyprus is facing persistent and serious challenges in the area of animal welfare, according to Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare Antonia Theodosiou, who pointed to long-term systemic problems that continue to affect both stray and owned animals.
Speaking in Larnaca during a social theatre performance on Sunday, Theodosiou said the situation is marked by a growing population of stray cats and dogs, largely driven by uncontrolled breeding. She also highlighted low levels of microchipping and registration in the national database, as well as weaknesses in how quickly and effectively existing laws are enforced.
In addition, she noted that abandonment and abuse cases remain widespread, while gaps in shelter capacity and limited access to public veterinary care continue to place pressure on animal protection services.
According to a statement from her office, these concerns have prompted the preparation of a detailed plan aimed specifically at improving the welfare of dogs and cats. The plan has already been submitted to the relevant ministries, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment; Interior; and Justice, for review.
The proposed measures include large-scale sterilization and microchipping campaigns, along with steps to support and license private shelters. It also encourages local authorities to develop regional facilities for the temporary housing of animals.
Theodosiou also emphasized the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms, including stricter penalties for violations. She said the plan supports expanding public veterinary services and creating municipal veterinary clinics, which would serve not only stray animals but also pets owned by people in financially vulnerable groups.
Further proposals include reinforcing the capacity of veterinary services, the Animal Police, and municipal structures working alongside volunteers. The plan also calls for the establishment of a state coordination and oversight system, expanded public education on responsible pet ownership, and the creation of an online platform where citizens can report incidents and track the progress of animal abuse cases.
The Commissioner underlined that municipalities have a central role in addressing the issue, noting that local authorities are often the first point of response in preventing and managing stray populations and improving animal welfare standards.
She also referred to an upcoming amendment to the Dogs Law, which is currently expected to be passed and is intended to give local authorities and other responsible bodies stronger tools to handle the problem more effectively.
Among the changes expected in the amended legislation is the introduction of limits on the number of pets allowed per household, while allowing exemptions for households that already exceed the proposed cap. The revised law is also expected to introduce tougher financial penalties and administrative sanctions for breaches.
One of the most significant planned reforms, Theodosiou said, is the removal of euthanasia as a routine measure, allowing it only in exceptional circumstances, such as when an animal poses a confirmed serious threat or suffers from incurable, irreversible illness.
The statement also noted that proceeds from the theatre performances will be used solely to fund medical treatment and care for stray animals.
