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Volunteers at a privately run animal shelter in the Paphos district say they face a crisis as a court order and landowner dispute threaten the wellbeing of roughly 2,000 animals under their care.
Shelter volunteers, who say they have rescued dogs, cats and other animals from neglect and abuse, have organized a peaceful protest for Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. outside the Paphos District Court to highlight their urgent concerns.
“These animals are not numbers, they are lives we’ve promised to protect,” the group said in a statement on social media.
“These animals are not numbers, they are lives we’ve promised to protect,” the group said in a statement on social media. “We’ve built strong bonds of trust and love with them. To see them taken away without a clear plan for their welfare is heartbreaking.” The volunteers urged the public to “stand by us, raise your voice, and show compassion for the thousands of innocent lives that depend on us.”
The facility has operated for years without formal license approval, and authorities say the location violates building or zoning rules. The shelter is reportedly close to residential housing, sparking complaints from neighbors and triggering legal action.
Shelter manager Irene Diamantopoulou told the press that private landowners have requested the return of the property where the shelter is based, which would force the relocation of all animals housed there. She said the shelter receives no government funding and is entirely supported by volunteers and donations.
Animal‑welfare groups in Cyprus are now calling on both government and judicial authorities to pause enforcement of the order until a safe, transparent plan for the animals’ future can be developed. One such group said the situation is symptomatic of a broader problem: when volunteer‑run animal programs clash with regulatory and licensing frameworks.
As it stands, the protest on Nov. 14 aims to raise public awareness and urge all stakeholders to work together, authorities, local municipalities, and animal‑welfare volunteers, so that no animal ends up homeless or without care.
