Newsroom
For years, the story repeated itself across Cyprus: abandoned dogs wandering highways, overcrowded shelters pleading for help on social media and volunteers stepping in where systems fell short. Animal welfare groups protested, municipalities struggled and lawmakers argued, often without resolution.
Now, after a decade of stalled discussions and mounting public pressure, parliament has passed what many consider the most significant reform of dog welfare laws in the country’s history.
The new legislation doesn’t just change rules on paper. It reshapes how Cyprus defines responsibility toward animals, banning the euthanasia of healthy dogs, tightening ownership obligations and forcing a long-overdue rethink of how strays are managed nationwide.
Supporters say the law reflects a cultural shift already happening among the public: dogs are no longer seen simply as property but as companions deserving protection, and accountability from the humans who own them.
Whether the new law succeeds will depend less on what was voted inside parliament and more on what happens outside it, in neighborhoods, parks and villages across the island. For years, Cyprus’ stray dog problem has reflected gaps not only in legislation but also in responsibility. Lawmakers have now drawn clearer lines. The question moving forward is whether owners, authorities and communities will follow them, turning a long-awaited law into real change for the thousands of dogs still waiting for homes, or simply another promise on paper.
What the new dog law means for you if you own a dog:
No euthanasia for healthy dogs
Euthanasia allowed only if a dog is officially deemed dangerous.
Mandatory registration
All dogs older than 2 months must be registered.
Report deaths
Owners must declare a dog’s death within 7 working days with a vet-issued certificate.
Collar tag required
Dogs must wear a tag showing license number and owner phone number.
Leash rules tightened
Walking a dog without a leash is now a criminal offense (except hunting dogs in designated areas).
Carry waste bags
Not having a bag during walks can result in a fine.
Fine for not cleaning up waste reduced to €100.
License fees unified
Higher but standardized fees across Cyprus.
Free licenses for:
- Assistance dogs
- Security force dogs
- Low-income pensioners (one sterilized dog)
Stray dogs protected
Strays must go to shelters, not euthanasia, and can only be adopted once chipped, sterilized and registered.
Lost or stolen dogs
Must be reported within 2 working days.
Expanded assistance dog rights
Now includes psychiatric support, medical alert and allergen detection dogs with certified training.
New €100 fine
Applies if an owner refuses to surrender a dog when living conditions are ruled inadequate.
